Story perspectives

Study Links Depression to Doubled Epilepsy Risk

12/8/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A study at the American Epilepsy Society's annual meeting finds that depression doubles epilepsy risk.
Depression also makes treatment harder, with 40% more patients likely to struggle with their first antiseizure medication.
Researchers cite shared brain networks, stress, and inflammation as links.
People with both conditions often have other health issues, underscoring the need for integrated mental health care.
Findings remain preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.

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Story summary

A study at the American Epilepsy Society's annual meeting finds that depression doubles epilepsy risk.
Depression also makes treatment harder, with 40% more patients likely to struggle with their first antiseizure medication.
Researchers cite shared brain networks, stress, and inflammation as links.
People with both conditions often have other health issues, underscoring the need for integrated mental health care.
Findings remain preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.