Can depression lead to seizures

concerneddad

New Member

Joined : Apr 2005

Posts : 4

Posted 4/18/2005 10:30 AM (GMT -8)

My 20-something daughter, who suffers from depression, has recently had a couple of seizures, one observed and one in her sleep. I think the one in her sleep was a seizure because she bit her tongue very badly. She has been known to abuse drugs and alcohol (binging) but not on the days she had the seizure nor within 2 weeks of either. Can the depression cause seizures? She does not take meds for the depression, although she was prescribed Zoloft.

AlwaysRosie

Veteran Member

Joined : Jan 2005

Posts : 8616

Posted 4/18/2005 11:58 AM (GMT -8)

Welcome Concerned Dad,

You sound like a very caring, concerned person. You are wise to seek help for your daughter.

I'm sorry, I just don't know if depression can cause seizures. I do know that chronic illness (including seizure disorders) can cause depression. I have a sister and a brother with epilepsy. Sister from childhood (genetic) and brother from a near fatal car vs. man accident (traumatic) when he was 20. The brother is over 50 now and has suffered from depression for a long time. He has only recently agreed to try meds (through much coaxing from me) and he has never felt better mentally.

I would be inclined to get a referral to a neurologist to get a professional opinion and care for the seizures. Your daughter sounds like she could really benefit from some counseling for her alcohol and drug abuse. I'm sure you don't need me to tell you that drugs and alcohol raise the bar for what we consider 'feeling normal'. The more you drink, smoke, or do drugs . . . the more you NEED to drink, smoke or do drugs. Your daughter is likely trapped in a vicious circle.

I hope you'll keep us updated on her progress (or lack of progress).

Blessings!

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