Effect of levetiracetam on depression and anxiety in adult epileptic patients |
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Authors: | Mazza Marianna Martini Annalisa Scoppetta Marta Mazza Salvatore |
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Affiliation: | Institute of Psychiatry and Psychology, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Via Ugo De Carolis, 48 00136 Rome, Italy. mariannamazza@hotmail.com |
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Abstract: | BACKGROUND: Interictal depression is common in patients with epilepsy and it significantly impacts quality of life. Some studies indicate that levetiracetam (LEV) may have mood stabilizing properties. METHODS: Twenty-five adults with uncontrolled partial seizures and concomitant depressive symptoms were treated with LEV. Patients were evaluated for depression and anxiety with several psychometric measures, including: Montgomery and Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Zung Self-rating Scale for Depression (Z-SDS), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS), Zung Self-rating Scale for Anxiety (Z-SAS). RESULTS: Evaluations after 5 weeks and after 3 months of LEV treatment demonstrated significant improvement in depression and anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: This uncontrolled study suggests that treatment with LEV may also improve depression and anxiety in patients with partial seizures. However, the sample of patients is limited and the possibility of a placebo effect cannot be excluded. These findings must be considered preliminary and should be replicated under placebo-controlled conditions. |
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Keywords: | LEV, Levetiracetam MADRS, Montgomery and Asberg Depression Rating Scale HDRS, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale HARS, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale Z-SDS, Zung Self-rating Scale for Depression Z-SAS, Zung Self-rating Scale for Anxiety. |
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