In China, the link between epilepsy and emotional disorders has been explained

Symptoms of epilepsy, such as fatigue and insomnia, are often accompanied by emotional disorders such as anxiety and depression. A new study shows that a combination of traditional and Western medicine can effectively treat not only physical, but also psychoemotional problems of patients. This is reported by the Sohu media portal.

Studies show that despite seizure control, many patients experience chronic fatigue and depression, which is three to five times more common in people with epilepsy compared to the general population. Experts note that mood problems may be related not only to the psychological state of patients, but also to brain disorders. Problems with emotional regulation often provoke epileptic seizures and increase fear, creating a vicious circle.

Most modern treatments for epilepsy focus on controlling seizures with medication. However, even though the frequency of seizures has decreased, medications do not always help solve emotional problems. In some cases, antiepileptic drugs can even worsen depression and anxiety.

"We observed many patients whose condition, according to the EEG, was stable, but the quality of life remained low. They describe themselves as living in a glass shell, separated from the outside world by an invisible barrier. This problem cannot be solved with antiepileptic therapy alone," said an unnamed specialist in integrative Chinese and Western medicine.

The article emphasizes that the treatment of epilepsy requires not only medical correction, but also psychoemotional support. In China, problems with epilepsy are often seen as the result of internal disorders of the body. For example, according to the theory of Chinese medicine, epilepsy is associated with impaired functioning of the liver, heart and spleen.

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An expert in Chinese medicine believes that liver dysfunction can lead not only to epileptic seizures, but also to depression and anxiety. According to him, in oriental medicine, the essence of treatment is to restore balance in the body and eliminate energy blocks. Western medicine, in turn, actively uses both drug treatment and therapy using psychoactive drugs. At the same time, a combination of Chinese medicine methods such as acupuncture and herbal medicine can enhance the result.

"We don't just prescribe Chinese and Western medicine to patients. Instead, we develop individual treatment plans based on their condition. For example, for patients with significant liver function depression, we use standard antiepileptic drugs in combination with traditional Chinese remedies that calm the liver and regulate qi. This can both improve mood and help control seizures," the specialist concluded.

Non-medicinal methods such as psychological counseling, acupuncture and massage, among others, play an important role. It is noted that such therapy helps to relieve anxiety, improve sleep and stabilize mood, and it is also simple and convenient to perform at home. Treatment priorities vary at different stages of the disease: during frequent seizures, attention is paid to epilepsy control, and during stabilization, to emotional management.

In addition to professional treatment, self-care on the part of the patient is also important. It is recommended to get enough sleep and avoid overwork. You should also consume moderate amounts of foods that nourish the heart and calm the mind (wheat, lilies, lotus seeds), and avoid consuming stimulating drinks (coffee, strong tea).

Moderate physical activity is also beneficial for the body and brain. It is noted that such wellness exercises as tai chi and ba duanjin are especially suitable for people with epilepsy, due to their smoothness and emphasis on the unity of form and spirit. Aerobic exercises such as walking and jogging also help. It is also recommended to pay attention to hobbies such as reading, listening to music, gardening and other activities.

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"The treatment of emotional problems associated with epilepsy requires a deep trusting relationship between the doctor and the patient. Doctors should not only focus on the results of the examination, but also listen to the feelings of patients. Patients should also actively express their emotional changes and not think that "a bad mood is not a disease," the unnamed chief physician emphasized.

He recommended that patients keep a mood diary and record not only episodes, but also everyday experiences and stressful events. According to him, this will serve as an important source of information for doctors when adjusting the treatment plan.

As medical paradigms have changed, treatment of epilepsy has evolved from simply controlling seizures to focusing on the patient's overall quality of life. It is noted that the path to treatment of epilepsy can be long, but when medicine focuses not only on the disease itself, but also on caring for patients, the treatment path is filled with warmth and hope.

Ekaterina Demyanovskaya, an expert at the Hemotest Laboratory and a neurologist, told Izvestia on August 2 that olfactory hallucinations are symptoms of epilepsy and can be a sign of other diseases. According to her, in epilepsy, such hallucinations have characteristic features, often manifesting themselves within the aura — a state when the precursors of an attack begin, and a person may experience unpleasant or unusual odors that have no real source.

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