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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by melinda on October 6, 2002, at 16:42:31
Hi...
I'm not sure where to post this question.
Does anyone know if there is some sort of link between epilepsy and mental illness?
I recently found out that I have epilepsy in addition to schizophrenia. Interestingly, my sister also has epilepsy and schizo-affective disorder. It seems like there is a disproportionate number of people with epilepsy that also have some sort of mental illness (or conversely, a disproportionate amount of people with mental illness have epilepsy). It makes me wonder if there is some kind of link between the two. Maybe the brain chemical imbalances that cause the mental illnesses lower the seizure threshold somehow.
Thanks,
-melinda
Posted by FredPotter on October 6, 2002, at 17:16:12
In reply to Epilepsy and Mental Ilness, posted by melinda on October 6, 2002, at 16:42:31
I seem to remember that Van Gogh had schizophrenia and epilepsy at a time when doctors actually thought it impossible to have both, so there may be a negative correlation
Posted by susan C on October 7, 2002, at 11:16:10
In reply to Re: Epilepsy and Mental Ilness » melinda, posted by FredPotter on October 6, 2002, at 17:16:12
Hi,
Yes, as I understand it and there is a connection between womens cycles and having seizures, too. This is JUST NOW being studied. If you want I will try to find the reference to the study. I think in some people, mental illness is a seizure disorder, and that, perhaps, epilepsy is a very broad term. I am coming to understand the symptoms of mental illness as actually symptoms of other illness. In other words, someone who is defined as mentally ill actually has an underlying biophysicological problem. The real challenge, is there can often be multiple problems, like a giant complex game of pick up sticks. So, there is no easy answer to something that affects us everyday.
mouse
Posted by bookgurl99 on October 7, 2002, at 15:12:21
In reply to Epilepsy and Mental Ilness, posted by melinda on October 6, 2002, at 16:42:31
Melinda,
this actually makes sense. Electrical stimulation of the right temporal lobe has been known to cause 'perceptions' of another presence, and has caused visual apparitions.
makes me think of when I was a kid, i sometimes 'saw things,' and as an adult have severe migraines and minor seizures (but not dx'd with seizure disorder)
makes you wonder, hmm?bookgurl99
Posted by melinda on October 7, 2002, at 19:18:20
In reply to Re: Epilepsy and Mental Ilness, posted by susan C on October 7, 2002, at 11:16:10
I like your analogy of the pick-up sticks. The position of each stick is dependant on the position of every other stick....kinda how our brains depend on the perfect coordination of all the neurotransmitters and nerve-cell firings.
Posted by d miller on October 8, 2002, at 17:30:14
In reply to Epilepsy and Mental Ilness, posted by melinda on October 6, 2002, at 16:42:31
Melinda,
Your post hit me because I have a brother-in-law who has epilepsy and schizoprenia. I always wondered if the two were connected.
dmiller>
Hi...
>
> I'm not sure where to post this question.
>
> Does anyone know if there is some sort of link between epilepsy and mental illness?
>
> I recently found out that I have epilepsy in addition to schizophrenia. Interestingly, my sister also has epilepsy and schizo-affective disorder. It seems like there is a disproportionate number of people with epilepsy that also have some sort of mental illness (or conversely, a disproportionate amount of people with mental illness have epilepsy). It makes me wonder if there is some kind of link between the two. Maybe the brain chemical imbalances that cause the mental illnesses lower the seizure threshold somehow.
>
> Thanks,
>
> -melinda
Posted by Mr. SadPuppyDog on October 9, 2002, at 11:58:09
In reply to Epilepsy and Mental Ilness, posted by melinda on October 6, 2002, at 16:42:31
> Hi...
>
> I'm not sure where to post this question.
>
> Does anyone know if there is some sort of link between epilepsy and mental illness?
>
> I recently found out that I have epilepsy in addition to schizophrenia. Interestingly, my sister also has epilepsy and schizo-affective disorder. It seems like there is a disproportionate number of people with epilepsy that also have some sort of mental illness (or conversely, a disproportionate amount of people with mental illness have epilepsy). It makes me wonder if there is some kind of link between the two. Maybe the brain chemical imbalances that cause the mental illnesses lower the seizure threshold somehow.
>
> Thanks,
>
> -melinda
Actually, studies have indicated that epileptics have lower levels of both depression and psychosis. This is perhaps related to the fact they have seizures. Seizures, if you didnt know are the mechanism of ECT. While epileptics have many other serious health problems, for one they can have a seizure and fall down and bang their head on the floor, break bones, hold their breath too long, etc. but they do tend to have lower levels of depression and psychosis.Something to think about...
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