Does epilepsy have 2 do with somethin psychologically

When I was just becoming a teenager I had my 1st seizure, told I had epilepsy & after my seizure was put on medication. I didn’t have often seizures & after staring university in Canada things, my life, I myself have changed A LOT. However I haven’t gotten through university, returned home to Cyprus, gone 2 college there fr a while, have been off and on depressed the past 4 years & before I go through phases just like every1 I guess but the last 4 years 2 the extent that I tried 2 overdose on my medication or experiment with it. The 2 years while I was in Canada I never had a seizure or anythin close but in Cyprus I have maybe not often but can’t predict when. Now I am back in Canada mostly my parents choice because in Cyprus they can’t help me much (doctors don’t know much about epilepsy) & since the last time they changed my medication my behaviour has changed sooo much on studyin, can’t concentrate, my memory is gotten less, I’ve become sooo slow in doin things, & lost my interest in sooo many things. Except looks in fact I’ve increased my interest there as if I’m dumb & stupid (which that’s how I feel when it comes 2 school), hate everythin but shoppin & looking good like those girls you see in the movies. I’m wonderin is the medication indeed affectin me? Does epilepsy have 2 do with somethin psychologically? I don’t know almost anythin about it & havent been seen by the doctor here in Canada yet.

Answer #1

I have epilepsy too and am having some of the same problems. My Neurologist said that Carbatrol can make your thinking slower and I’ve definitely noticed it. Like when I’m trying to think of a word my mind just goes blank. So some other anti-seizure meds probably have the same effect. I think you are probably on the wrong medication too, I know the warning labels always warn about depression. Definitely talk to a neurologist about that. This is from epilepsymatters.com: Psychological problems, if they develop, usually come from how others react to the person with epilepsy, or how the person with epilepsy anticipates others will react, rather than from the epilepsy itself. Lowered self-esteem and self-confidence often accompany epilepsy. Feelings of anger, frustration, embarrassment and vulnerability may develop. Increased levels of anxiety and depression are also more common.

Answer #2

It’s possible you’re on the wrong medication…I felt like a guinea pig before they finally got mine right.

You understand though, that being under stress can cause you to have seizures, so if there are a lot of changes happening in your life it could be why you’re medication doesn’t seem to be working.

See a doctor so you can get a referral to a neurologist.

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