Issued 26 Oct 2010
MEDIA RELEASE
Depression: a marker for epilepsy, not a side-effect
Overseas studies into the link between depressive disorders and epilepsy suggest that depression could be a
clear marker for a severe form of epilepsy, not a side-effect, according to a visiting epileptologist, Professor
Andres Kanner (Senior Attending Physician in the department of Neurological Sciences at Rush University
Medical Center and Professor of Neurological Sciences and Psychiatry at Rush Medical College of Rush
University in Chicago, USA).
Prof Kanner joins Prof Graham Scambler from the United Kingdom as international guest speakers at the
Inaugural Epilepsy Symposium in Brisbane tomorrow (Wednesday 27 October 2010).
Prof Kanner said that for many years, depression was believed to be caused by epilepsy, however it has been
found that people suffering long-term depression have a four to seven-fold higher risk of developing epilepsy.
Unfortunately, these same people are less likely to respond positively to surgery or epilepsy medication.
Prof Kanner has conducted research in the psychiatric aspects of epilepsy, the world’s most common serious
brain disorder. He has been director of the Laboratory of Electroencephalography and Video-EEG-Telemetry at
Rush University Medical Center since 1991; and his research in epilepsy surgery, pharmacology and the brain
disorder’s link with depressive disorders has been broadly published. Prof Kanner had an epileptic seizure
himself four years ago which led to significant changes in his evaluation and treatment of patients.
Prof Kanner said research showed that as well as a history of depression, people with recurring migraine with
aura, major depressive episodes and suicidal tendencies face up to six times the risk of having an unprovoked
epileptic seizure. He said this could be explained by abnormal brain serotonin activity, and could influence the
way some forms of epilepsy were treated.
He also believes that the concerns of many doctors in prescribing anti-depressant drugs to people with
epilepsy are unfounded, saying most anti-depressant treatments can be prescribed safely.
Prof Kanner’s address to the symposium, hosted by Epilepsy Queensland Inc and Griffith University, will
further discuss the bidirectional relation between epilepsy and depression and its implications for the treatment
of the two conditions. The presentation starts at 3pm.
Also speaking at the symposium is Prof Graham Scambler, a medical sociologist from University College in
London, best known for his work on the social, psychological and quality of life issues associated with epilepsy.
Prof Scambler will address the stigma facing people with epilepsy.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Media please call Helen Whitehead (CEO of EQI) on 0400 578898 or Professor
Harry McConnell via 56780719
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While in Brisbane, the symposium speakers will also address the 14th
Pacific Rim College of Psychiatrists
Scientific Meeting, to be held from 28 to 30 October at the Brisbane Convention Centre. Epilepsy-related topics
to be discussed will include advances in medical treatments and the use of psychotropic drugs.
PROGRAM – INAUGURAL EPILEPSY SYMPOSIUM (Wednesday 27 October 2010 – Russell Strong
Auditorium, Princess Alexandra Hospital)
2.10pm
Welcome by Wally Lewis, EQI Patron
2.15pm
Prof Andres Kanner (Bidirectional relation between epilepsy and depression and its implications
for the treatment of the two conditions)
3pm
Prof Harry McConnell (Seizure site and type – relationship to behaviour, mental health and
treatment approaches)
3.45pm
The Hon Paul Lucas MP Deputy Premier - address
4.05pm
Assoc Prof Malcolm Hopwood (Epilepsy and other common mental health conditions – what
they are and how to treat them)
4.50pm
Prof Graham Scambler (Epilepsy and stigma – is it necessary to live in the shadows? What can
we do about it at an individual, school, workplace and community level?)
5.40pm
Questions to the panel
6pm
Close of seminar, followed at 6.30pm with presentation of EQI’s Annual Awards to recognise
people who have contributed to the epilepsy community
PROGRAM – EPILEPSY STREAM, 14th
PACIFIC RIM COLLEGE OF PSYCHIATRISTS SCIENTIFIC
MEETING (Thursday 28 October to 30 October 2010 – Brisbane Convention Centre: Epilepsy Stream is
on 28 October)
11.00 -12.30pm
Chair, Prof Harry McConnell
Prof Graham Scambler (Epilepsy and stigma interventions to reduce stigma in clinical
practice)
Assoc Prof Malcolm Hopwood (Epilepsy and psychosis)
Prof Andres Kanner (Effects of treatments on seizures and depression)
Sandeep Bhutah (Neuroradiological correlates of neuropsychiatry and epilepsy)
1.30 – 3.00pm
Dr Dan McLaughlin (Advances in medical treatment of epilepsy)
Assoc Prof Malcolm Hopwood (Use of psychotropic drugs in people with epilepsy)
Dr Kate Riney (Sudden death associated with epilepsy)
Prof Harry McConnell (Psychiatric Co-morbidity and epilepsy treatment)
NEWS 
