Project Summary

Terence O’Brien, M.D. (Independent Investigator 2005) of University of Melbourne, notes that until recently, the high incidence of co-morbid (or co-occurring) anxiety and depression with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) was thought to be a consequence of the illness. However, the relationship may be “bi-directional” with the psychiatric conditions aggravating the seizures and even predisposing the development of epilepsy. Utilizing an animal model, Dr. O’Brien will test his hypotheses that low-dose corticosterone (CS) supplementation enhances limbic epileptogenesis via action on brain glucocorticoid receptors and that similar effects are seen in chronic stress; that early life stress creates a vulnerability to limbic epileptogenesis and increased anxiety levels; and that the epileptogenesis acts to further exacerbate the anxiety levels, and these effects are due to long-lasting alterations in the HPA (hypothalamic pituitary axis) function. The study will provide insight into the causes of TLE, anxiety and depression, as well as provide alternate approaches to the primary and secondary prevention of both TLE and its associated psychiatric co-morbidities. Additionally, the results may provide a strong rationale for more aggressive detection and treatment of these psychiatric co-morbidities in TLE patients, with specific modes of treatment suggested.

Program Area: MOOD DISORDERS\Unipolar

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