Psychiatric disorders ‘up risk of death’ for patients with epilepsy
Neurologists have conducted an audit of Melbourne patients across two decades
Adults with epilepsy and comorbid psychiatric illness have about a 40% greater likelihood of early death than patients with epilepsy alone, a study suggests.
Australian researchers say their finding underscores the importance of diagnosing and treating mental health disorders in people living with epilepsy.
The team analysed data from the medical records of some 1805 patients admitted for video-EEG monitoring at three major Melbourne hospitals between 1995 and 2015.
All patients had been routinely assessed by a neuropsychiatrist as part of their care, and about half had been diagnosed with at least one psychiatric disorder.
