Affective Processing in Depression and Epilepsy

Affective Processing in Depression and Epilepsy; An fMRI Study

The goal of this study is to determine whether there are unique markers on neuroimaging that are associated with depression in epilepsy.

Symptoms of depression is commonly seen in patients with epilepsy. There are similarities and differences between depressive symptoms in epilepsy when compared with primary depression. Through the use of fMRI (Functional MRI), we hope to determine whether there are unique markers on neuroimaging that are associated with depression in epilepsy.

For Control Group

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy adults of 18 years of age or older.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Subject has no history of affective disorders
• Subject scores higher than 5 on Hamilton Depression Rating Scale
• Subject with prior primary diagnosis of any psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, or any other serious medical or neurological disorder
• Subject is pregnant
• Subject is unable to undergo a MRI

Epilepsy Only Group

Inclusion Criteria:

• Subject is at least 18 years of age
• Subject has confirmed temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Subject has a history of depression
• Subject scores higher then 5 on Hamilton Depression Rating Scale
• Subject with prior primary diagnosis of any psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, or any other serious medical or neurological disorder
• Subject is pregnant
• Subject is unable to undergo a MRI

Depression Only Group

Inclusion Criteria:

• Subject is at least 18 years of age
• Subject scores between 12 and 18 on Hamilton Depression Rating Scale

Exclusion Criteria:

• Subject scores higher than 18 on Hamilton Depression Rating Scale
• Subject is currently being medicated for depression
• Subject has history of major depression or dysthymia
• Subject with prior primary diagnosis of any psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, or any other serious medical or neurological disorder
• Subject is pregnant
• Subject is unable to undergo a MRI

Depression and Epilepsy Group

Inclusion Criteria:

• Subject has confirmed temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE)
• Subject scores between 12 and 18 on Hamilton Depression Rating Scale

Exclusion Criteria:

• Subject has history of major depression or dysthymia
• Subject is currently on medication for depression
• Subject with prior primary diagnosis of any psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, or any other serious medical or neurological disorder
• Subject is pregnant
• Subject is unable to undergo a MRI