ABOUT THIS EPISODE
In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Anna Shapiro Krew, Director of Epilepsy Psychiatry at the Cleveland Clinic Epilepsy Center, we explore the often-overlooked connection between epilepsy and mental health.
Dr. Shapiro Krew joins Empowering Epilepsy Founder and Executive Director Leigh Goldie to discuss ADHD, depression, anxiety, bipolar symptoms, and other mental health conditions that can affect people living with epilepsy. She explains why these conditions may be biologically connected to epilepsy, why mental health symptoms can sometimes appear before seizures begin, and why people should feel comfortable discussing them with their epilepsy care team.
The conversation also explores treatment options, communication between mental health providers and epileptologists, and the importance of clearly telling your doctor when symptoms are affecting your quality of life.
Most importantly, Dr. Shapiro Krew emphasizes the power of connection. Support groups, shared experiences, and open conversations can help reduce the isolation that often accompanies epilepsy and mental health challenges.
In this episode:
• ADHD and epilepsy, including treatment considerations
• Depression, anxiety, and bipolar symptoms
• How mental health and epilepsy may be biologically connected
• What to tell your doctor when you need help
• Why treating mental health can improve overall quality of life
• The importance of community, support groups, and knowing you are not alone
Mental health challenges are not something people with epilepsy simply have to “push through.” Help is available, treatment matters, and talking about mental health is an important part of changing the conversation about epilepsy.
Learn more about Empowering Epilepsy, our programs, support groups, and resources at EmpoweringEpilepsy.org.
