In this video, Professor Dr. Nathalie Jetté reviews depression as a common yet often under-recognized comorbidity in epilepsy. She notes that roughly one in three people with epilepsy meet criteria for depression at any given time, yet many are not screened in routine neurology care and a substantial proportion remain untreated. Practical assessment options are highlighted, such as structured/semi-structured interviews (MINI, SCID) and free tools such as the NDDI-E and PHQ-9. Understanding and treating depression in epilepsy is critically important, as it is linked to poorer response to anti-seizure medicines, more adverse effects, lower quality of life, and increased suicide risk.
Nathalie Jette, Professor of Neurology and Head of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Canada
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