Teens With Epilepsy Prone to Depression

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She said medications for seizure control may mask depression because one of the common side effects of some drugs is sleepiness. Fatigue and excessive sleeping are often hallmarks of depression. But in a teen on seizure medication, it can be hard to know what's a side effect of the medicine and what's a sign of depression, she explained.

Irritability, anger, learning problems, regressive behavior and oppositional and other conduct-behavior problems can all be signs of depression in teens.

"If your child is sullen, angry, withdrawn, spending less time with friends, and school grades are declining, don't just write it off as a moody teenager or something that will pass," Trock said.

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Both Trock and Plioplys said it's important to get treatment, either with psychotherapy or medications. And, Plioplys added that, although it can be difficult to get an appointment with a child psychiatrist because of a shortage of qualified doctors, it's important to get your child help. Psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and even your child's neurologist can be a good place to start, she said.

More information

To learn more about teen depression and the warning signs of suicide, visit the National Mental Health Association (www.nmha.org ).

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