When most people think about temporal lobe epilepsy, they imagine symptoms like aura, confusion, disorientation, loss of consciousness, and uncontrollable movements. In addition to these physical symptoms, many people with this form of epilepsy also struggle with major mental health disorders. Along with seizure treatment, getting help with these disorders is crucial for leading a full and happy life.
People with temporal lobe epilepsy often experience problems with depression and anxiety. These common mental health conditions frequently cause the following symptoms:
Depression:
Anxiety:
People with epilepsy disorder face many challenges. When you factor in mental health concerns, these challenges become even more difficult to manage.
First and foremost, you must properly manage the seizure disorder as instructed by your doctor. For many people, this entails taking medications like gabapentin or lamotrigine. However, some people also require surgical procedures to manage the condition.
When it comes to mental health concerns, talk therapy can be extremely beneficial, and speaking with a therapist who has experience with seizure disorders is recommended. In some cases, you may also be prescribed an antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication. When taking these drugs alongside seizure medications, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions exactly.