Mechanism of psychological stress on seizure frequency and activity in epilepsy: literature review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30989/mik.v15i1.2029Keywords:
Convulsions, Epilepsy, Psychologica, StressAbstract
Background: In addition to biological factors, psychological stress has an important role in influencing the frequency and severity of seizures through neuroendocrine and neural mechanisms.
Objective: This study aims to examine and summarize the mechanisms that link psychological stress with the frequency and activity of seizures in epilepsy patients.
Methods: This study uses a literature review method with a scoping review approach that refers to the PRISMA guidelines. Data sources were obtained from Google Scholar, Semantic Scholar, and PubMed with a range of 2021–2025. Article selection was carried out based on inclusion criteria and quality assessment using JBI.
Results: Of the 711 articles found, four articles met the criteria. The results showed that psychological stress activates the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, increasing cortisol levels and disrupting the balance of neurotransmitters such as glutamate and GABA. This condition triggers an increase in the excitability of neurons which contributes to seizures.
Conclusion: Psychological stress plays a role in increasing seizure activity in epilepsy through complex biological mechanisms.
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