This book is an up-to-date, comprehensive review of the neuropsychiatry of epilepsy, by active authorities in the field, with an emphasis on clinical and management issues. A critical appraisal of the methodology and limitations of current research on the neuropsychiatry of epilepsy is provided, and unanswered questions and controversies are addressed. Pharmacological aspects of management are also discussed in order to enable the reader to manage these patients more safely. Neuropsychiatric Symptoms of Epilepsy is aimed at neurologists, epileptologists, psychiatrists and neuropsychiatrists, and will also be of interest to psychologists and neuropsychologists, research and specialist nurses, clinical researchers and methodologists.

Epilepsy is one of most frequent neurological disorders affecting about 50 million people worldwide and 50% of them have at least another medical problem in comorbidity; sometimes this is a the cause of the epilepsy itself or it is due to shared neurobiological links between epilepsy and other medical conditions; other times it is a long-term consequence of the antiepileptic drug treatment. The Comorbidities of Epilepsy offers an up-to-date, comprehensive overview of all comorbidities of epilepsy (somatic, neurological and behavioral), by international authorities in the field of clinical epileptology, with an emphasis on epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and management. This book includes also a critical appraisal of the methodological aspects and limitations of current research on this field. Pharmacological issues in the management of comorbidities are discussed, providing information on drug dosages, side effects and interactions, in order to enable the reader to manage these patients safely. The Comorbidities of Epilepsy is aimed at all health professionals dealing with people with epilepsy including neurologists, epileptologists, psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, epilepsy specialist nurses and clinical researchers. - Provides a comprehensive overview of somatic, neurological and behavioral co-morbidities of epilepsy - Discusses up-to-date management of comorbidities of epilepsy - Written by a group of international experts in the field

Around the world societies are facing growing aging populations with the concomitant increase in neuropsychiatric disorders. Neuropsychiatric disorders are organic brain diseases with psychiatric symptoms, as in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, that cause cognitive impairment, including dementia, amnesic syndrome, and personality–behavioral changes. As a clinical science, neuropsychiatry aims to explore the complex interrelationship between behavior and brain function from a variety of perspectives, including those of psychology, neurology, and psychiatry. This concise and updated monograph comprises the latest findings in the field and includes chapters on delusional symptoms, mood disorders and neurotic symptoms, cognitive impairment, behavioral and personality changes, and recently, cerebral alterations revealed in PTSD patients and in endogenous psychoses through neuroimaging and neuropathology. These findings will certainly widen the realm of neuropsychiatry going forward and will prove of great value to specialists as well as to academics and trainees in neurology, psychiatry, neuropsychology, neuroradiology, neuropathology, neurophysiology, neurochemistry, and clinical genetics. Ultimately, neuropsychiatry aims to prevent and reduce the suffering of individuals with the psychiatric symptoms of cerebral disorders.

Psychiatric Controversies in Epilepsy addresses controversial clinical issues of the psychiatric aspects of epilepsy. The book explores the reasons behind the poor communication between psychiatrists and neurologists and suggests potential remedies to this important problem, and two chapters are devoted to examining whether psychiatrists and neurologists are properly trained to recognize and treat conditions that both disciplines commonly encounter in clinical practice. Identification of the causes behind the high rate of comorbidity between epilepsy and mood, anxiety, psychotic and attention deficit disorders is given high priority in the volume, and a specific review of the evidence of common pathogenic mechanisms that may be operant in epilepsy and these psychiatric disorders is included. Recently identified bidirectional relationship between mood disorders and epilepsy and its implication in the course and response to treatment of the seizure disorder are also explored. Several chapters are devoted to rectify common misunderstandings of the use of psychotropic drugs in patients with epilepsy, including the use of antidepressant and central nervous system stimulants. Finally, one chapter explores the possibility of organic causes of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures. - Compiles into one source the important controversial issues of the psychiatric aspects of epilepsy, which have significant implications in clinical practice - Authors are internationally recognized authorities in the field of psychiatric aspects of epilepsy

In addition to the symptoms and signs of their condition, patients with epilepsy also often experience neuropsychiatric disorders which have a significant impact on their quality of life. Many epileptic patients also suffer from psychosis. Neuropsychiatric development disorders in epileptic children are also common, as are psychiatric problems after surgery for epilepsy. Pre-existing psychiatric problems may result in surgical complications. The aim of this book is to list the current understanding of neuropsychiatric issues in epilepsy. Psychiatrists, epilepsy specialists, neurologists, neuropediatricians and surgeons have joined forces to share their experiences and discuss the advances made in this field. Understanding the mechanisms linking epilepsy to psychiatric disorders makes it possible to establish effective treatments and also improve the quality of life of these patients.

This volume is a pragmatic, comprehensive guide to evaluation and management of psychiatric problems in patients with epilepsy. The authors critically analyze recent findings on the relationship between seizures and psychiatric disorders and offer practical recommendations for diagnosis and treatment. Numerous case studies are included. This thoroughly updated edition includes new material on animal models of psychopathology in epilepsy, use of psychotropic drugs in epilepsy, use of antiepileptic drugs in psychiatry, neuroanatomic and neurobiologic bases of psychiatric disorders, neuropsychological evaluation in children with epilepsy, neuropsychological testing in epilepsy surgery candidates, and value and limitations of the forced normalization concept.