Stress Sensitization and Anticonvulsant Medication in Psychiatric Patients

Abstract

Recent reported findings indicate that stress experiences are related to psychological and neurobiological processes that may have lasting consequences and significantly influence brain functions. Cognitive and emotional dysregulation related to traumatic stress is likely linked to deficits in inhibitory functions and increased limbic excitability that may lead to temporo-limbic seizure-like activity.

These findings strongly suggest that stress-activated limbic kindling may be involved in the pathogenesis of depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders which may explain efficacy of antiepileptic drugs in their treatment.

Keywords

• Anticonvulsants
• Depression
• Epileptiform activity
• Schizophrenia
• Seizure-like symptoms
• Sensitization
• Stress
• Trauma
• Posttraumatic stress disorder