Recurrent postictal depression with Cotard delusion.

ABSTRACT

Depression is a common occurrence among epileptic patients and constitutes, along with anxiety disorders, the most frequent psychiatric condition in these patients. However, little work is done in the area of post-ictal depression especially in children with epilepsy. Here, the authors report an adolescent boy who developed recurrent depression associated with Cotard's delusion following complex partial seizure at the age of 7 years. Trial of antidepressant drug and lithium worsened the clinical picture but ultimately he responded well to carbamazepine. This case is unique in its presentation due to recurrent depression itself is rare at this age and secondly rarity of onset of Cotard delusion in prepubertal phase. This case also showed that post-ictal depression is biological process rather than psychological and social reaction. Prompt identification and management of underlying cause would definitely prevent further complication and would also prevent the child from exposing unnecessary with various pharmacological treatments.