Iatrogenic depression with Antiepileptic Drug Therapy in Patients with Partial Seizures

Seizures are defined to be transient paroxysms of uncontrolled neuronal discharge leading to a clinical behavioral disorder .Partial seizures, according to Browne and Holmes are classified to simple (focal) and complex (temporal lobe or psychomotor) types. The focal type is characterized by motor, sensory and psychic symptoms. As it is focal, the symptoms depend on the location of the abnormal electrical discharge, however, the consciousness is not impaired. On the other hand, the complex type may begin without any warning or as focal type with impaired consciousness. It is also characterized by automatism and is followed by a period of confusion.

Gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) and glutamate play an important role in its pathogenesis. Impairement of the inhibitory effect of GABA occurs in different forms including: defective GABAA receptor inhibition- Defectibe GABAB receptor inhibition or defective intracellular Na+-Ca++ exchange. Additionally, glutamate can increase the excitation via increased activation of NMDA receptors- increased synchrony between neurons via recurrent excitatory collaterals. Read more.................