Is depression a common link among people with epilepsy?

Everytime I read about someone in history that experienced seizures, they seemed to have depression to some degree.

Yes, those with epilepsy have 2-3 times higher rate of depression than the general population. Since depression is common in general, then that effect being doubled or tripled is rather significant!

don't think so. I work on a neurological unit of a major hospital as an RN. I have not noticed this except in people whose epilepsy is newly diagnosed or uncontrolled. This, along with meds initially (until you get used to them) can cause some depression, as can any major health problem. Additionally, my husband has epilepsy and has not had any probs with depression.

in the past they were probly depressed only because it's a hard to deal with... it's just a social side effect it's not like all epileptics are depressed by nature. Especially in the past there were barely any meds for epilepsy or seizures and a really long time ago people use to think epileptics were witches or possessed by the devil because of their siezures cause there was no such thing as epilepsy.

Honestly i think you will find that anyone with a long term illness is more likely to have depression.

That being said i think that anytime someone is diagnosed they should immediately be informed about depression and the odds that they WILL get it.
I know that may sounds ridiculous but i call that preventative medicine.

When i got my illness it was one thing and then it became entirely another thing when the depression set in as a result of the illness.

Being ill for long periods of time depending on the illness and what is going on can naturally be extremely depressing and depression that goes without help will only exaserbate(sp?) the problem that already exists.
What is "normal" depression then turns into clinical depression and that is when medications are needed if the doctor didn't already put the patient on one to begin with.

It really gets out of hand if for example one has epilepsy and is already on medications and then a new medication is added to the mix.

Now the person with epilepsy is having to deal with more medication and TWO illnesses having to deal with the brain.

That in itself is a nightmare if you ask me and i believe these doctors.. or whoever they are masking themselves behind these "certificates" ( because i have a hard time believing they are degrees...), need to GET IT TOGETHER AND DO THEIR JOBS THEY WERE HIRED FOR!!

sure why not...

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http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=dep...

well wouldnt you be depressed if you had seizures everytime a light flashed randomly?
personally, i think depression is more of a link amoung people period.

there is a link because the same medication that is used for seizures are used for depression.

I'm sure depression is linked to anyone that has any debilitating disease

Yes, it is.

yes that is common