[Clinical study on epilepsy and psychosis].

Abstract

Several important issues on research in epileptic psychosis are discussed. The definition of epileptic psychosis has not been well clarified from phenomenological and psychopathological points of view, particularly in association with its psychiatric negative symptoms. It is still uncertain whether epileptic psychosis is distinct from psychoses due to other neurological diseases. A recent trend in its sub classification is to categorize epileptic psychosis based on its chronological relation to preceding seizures (postictal vs. interictal psychoses) rather than its duration (acute/episodic vs. chronic psychoses). While the course and prognosis are crucial to understand the nature of epileptic psychosis and determine its treatment, only a few studies have dealt with these matters. In order to analyse a variety of epilepsy-related, psychosis related and psychosocial factors in a large sample, national and international collaboration will be needed. Standardization of our diagnostic and evaluation skills should be essential for such multi-institutional studies. Furthermore, effects of different public health care systems and socio-economical circumstances are associated with the results of studies on epileptic psychosis.