ABSTRACT

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a condition characterized by psychiatric and somatic symptoms commonly seen in women of childbearing age. There are few studies investigating the prevalence of PMDD in patients with epilepsy. In this study we investigate the frequency of PMDD in epilepsy patients and evaluate the relationship between antiepileptic drugs and PMDD.

The subjects were 93 women with epilepsy and 30 controls. Patients were divided into five subgroups according to their medications as carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, valproic acide, lamotrigine, and levetiracetam. Each group were examined for the frequency of PMDD. In addition, the incidence of PMDD was compared according to antiepileptic drugs in subgroups.

The frequency of PMDD was similar in patients with and without epilepsy. Focal epilepsy group, especially temporal lobe epilepsy, has a higher incidence of PMDD, but similar results were also found in women without epilepsy. Looking at the relationship between antiepileptic treatments and PMDD, patients treated with lamotrigine had the lowest frequency.

The frequency of PMDD was similar in patients with and without epilepsy. Focal epilepsy patients, especially temporal lobe epilepsy patients, had a higher incidence of PMDD. The LTG group had the lowest rate of PMDD. In terms of PMDD, LTG may be beneficial for young women with epilepsy.

Keywords: Epilepsy, Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, antiepileptic drugs