Conference paper

LAMOTRIGINE TREATMENT OF A PATIENT AFFECTED BY EPILEPSY AND ANXIETY DISORDER

Dubravka Šepić-Grahovac ; Policlinic for Neurology and Psychiatry
Tanja Grahovac ; University Psychiatric Clinic Rijeka, Clinical Hospital Centre Rijeka, Croatia
Antonija Ružić-Baršić ; Department of Radiology, Clinical Hospital Centre Rijeka, Croatia
Klementina Ružić ; University Psychiatric Clinic Rijeka, Clinical Hospital Centre Rijeka, Croatia
Elizabeta Dadić-Hero ; Community Primary Health Centre, Primorsko-goranska county, Department of Social Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Rijeka, Croatia

Abstract

Epilepsy often occurs in comorbidity with mental diseases and disorders. Early detection and/or treatment of such disorders in
patients affected by epilepsy, as well as their socialisation are crucially important since epileptic patients tend to suffer more due to
lack of social support than to frequent epileptic seizures.
Prevalence of psychiatric disorders is higher in patients with epilepsy than in general population, the most frequent being:
anxiety, depression, panic attacks, behavioural disorders as well as psychotic states with paranoid elements.
The efficacy of AE treatment of patients affected by epilepsy and mood disorders has also directed clinicians to investigate
possible AE benefits in treating other mental disorders such as anxiety states, depression and bipolar disorder.
The examined case displays complex partial epilepsy and comorbid mental disorder. The use of lamotrigine, a fourth-generation
antiepileptic, which is also a mood stabilizer, has assured a favourable remission of symptoms related to both epilepsy and mood
disorders. Side-effects caused by lamotrigine were only temporary and dose reduction was sufficient to eliminate their symptoms.

Keywords

epilepsy; lamotrigine; anxiety disorders

Hrčak ID:

76801

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/76801

Publication date:

31.3.2011.

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