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. 2023 Sep;8(3):758-772.
doi: 10.1002/epi4.12766. Epub 2023 Jun 6.

Anxiety and depressive symptoms in adults with new-onset seizures: A scoping review

William Cronin  1 , Patrick Kwan  2   3   4   5   6 , Emma Foster  2   3
Affiliations

Anxiety and depressive symptoms in adults with new-onset seizures: A scoping review

William Cronin et al. Epilepsia Open. 2023 Sep.

Abstract

Objective: Anxiety and depression are common comorbidities in people living with epilepsy. Emerging research suggests that these conditions may even predate epilepsy onset. This review aimed to summarize the prevalence of clinically significant anxiety and depressive symptoms in people with first seizures and newly diagnosed epilepsy, as well as clinicodemographic factors associated with these symptoms.

Methods: A scoping literature review was performed. OVID Medline and Embase were searched from January 1, 2000, through May 1, 2022. Articles of interest were selected based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results: From 1836 studies identified on screening, 16 met eligibility criteria and were included in the review. Clinically significant anxiety and depressive symptoms, as determined by validated cutoff scores for anxiety and depression screening instruments, were common in people with first seizures (range 13-28%) and newly diagnosed epilepsy (range 11-45%). They were associated with a range of clinicodemographic factors including past psychiatric history and trauma, personality traits, self-esteem, and stigma profiles.

Significance: There is substantial evidence that clinically significant anxiety and depressive symptoms are often present at the time and shortly following the first seizure or epilepsy diagnosis. Future research is needed to better understand the complex interactions between these common psychiatric comorbidities, new-onset seizure disorders, and certain clinicodemographic characteristics. This knowledge may inform targeted and holistic treatment approaches.

Keywords: anxiety disorder; depression; epilepsy; first seizure; psychological screening.

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Conflict of interest statement

None of the authors has any relevant conflict of interest to disclose.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Study workflow. EC, exclusion criteria; IC, inclusion criteria.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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