Scientists believe epilepsy and bipolar disorder share several common factors. However, they are still investigating the exact relationship between these conditions.
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition with several subtypes. It causes varying episodes of shifts in a person’s mood, energy, and concentration.
Epilepsy is a condition that causes people to have seizures. There are several different types of epilepsy with various symptoms.
This article discusses epilepsy and bipolar disorder, the potential link between them, their prevalence, and treatments.
People with epilepsy may be
Some suggest those with epilepsy may also have other conditions, such as bipolar disorder, due to:
- genetics
- environmental factors that cause epilepsy and bipolar disorder
- neurobiological factors, such as differences in the brain
- combinations of the above
Researchers also believe that having epilepsy at the same time as other psychiatric conditions could be due to bidirectional relationships. This is where psychiatric conditions
According to 2024 research, genetics may also play a part in whether a person develops epilepsy and other conditions.
Some evidence indicates having focal epilepsy may make a person more likely to develop psychiatric conditions such as bipolar disorder. Focal epilepsy is where a person’s epilepsy
However, this research concluded that genetics can only partially explain why people with epilepsy also have other conditions.
Epilepsy is a chronic brain condition. If a person has epilepsy, groups of nerve cells called neurons in the brain
Seizures are short, unusual changes in brain activity. Some seizures can appear to be staring spells. Others may cause a person to:
- fall
- shake
- be unaware of what is going on around them
A person must have experienced two or more seizures for a healthcare professional to diagnose epilepsy.
Epilepsy resources
Visit our dedicated hub for more research-backed information and in-depth resources on epilepsy and seizures.
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition
These are called manic and depressive episodes. They differ from the typical ups or downs most people experience. During these episodes, people experience:
- atypical shifts in:
- energy
- activity levels
- concentration
- unusually intense emotions
- changes in sleep patterns and activity levels
They may also engage in out-of-character behaviors, often without recognizing potentially harmful or undesirable effects these may have on their life.
These mood shifts can affect how people carry out daily tasks.
The condition’s symptoms and severity can vary from person to person. People can experience extended periods without symptoms.
During a severe episode, a person may experience psychosis, including hallucinations or delusions.
Bipolar disorder resources
Visit our dedicated hub for more research-backed information and in-depth resources on bipolar disorder.
Several studies have estimated how many people with epilepsy also have bipolar disorder.
In
However, they noted that the studies they analyzed varied in sample size, which may have affected their results. The individual studies also reported the prevalence of bipolar disorder in epilepsy to vary from 0.5% to 11.9%.
In 2022, researchers analyzed bipolar disorder and its symptoms in people with epilepsy. They estimated the prevalence among people with epilepsy as
Treatment plans for these conditions may involve the following methods:
Treatments for bipolar disorder
These aim to help people manage mood changes and other symptoms. Healthcare professionals will tailor treatments for each person, including:
- medication, such as:
- psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- self-management strategies and habits, such as:
- consistent sleeping schedules
- regular physical activity
- avoiding alcohol or other drugs
- limiting caffeine
- external support, such as family, friends, and support groups
Learn more about treatment for bipolar disorder.
Treatments for epilepsy
Epilepsy treatments can help stop or lessen seizures. They
- medications, such as antiseizure drugs
- surgery to stop seizures or to make them easier to manage
- sleep management strategies
- other treatments, including vagus nerve stimulation, which involves using an electrical device to send signals to a large nerve in the neck
- a ketogenic diet, which features a limited caloric intake and high fat and low carbohydrate foods
People may be able to
- preventing brain injuries
- lowering their chance of stroke and heart disease
- following a prenatal care plan with a healthcare professional to avoid problems during pregnancy
- washing their hands and preparing food safely to prevent infections such as cysticercosis
- keeping their vaccinations up to date
Read about the outlook for people with epilepsy.
The following are answers to some questions people commonly ask about bipolar disorder and epilepsy.
What mental illness is associated with epilepsy?
People with epilepsy
Why do seizure meds help bipolar disorder?
Seizure medications such as carbamazepine, valproic acid, and lamotrigine have mood-stabilizing properties. Healthcare professionals
Bipolar disorder can cause a person to have varying episodes of shifts in their mood, concentration, and energy. Epilepsy is a condition that causes people to have seizures.
People with epilepsy may be more likely to have bipolar disorder. Scientists are still investigating the reasons for this. However, some factors can make a person more likely to have bipolar disorder if they have epilepsy.
Treatments for bipolar disorder can help a person manage their mood changes and symptoms. Epilepsy treatments can help stop or lessen seizures.