Epilepsy drugs could cause psychiatric disorders in later life

WASHINGTON - American researchers say that commonly used drugs like those prescribed for the treatment of epilepsy, mood disorders and pain administered to young animals can lead to behavioural abnormalities in their later life.

Neuroscientists at the Georgetown University Medical Center have proved that these dugs cause neurons in those regions of the brain to die, which are vital for regulation of mood, cognition, and movement.

The scientists tested the effect of these drugs on infant rats to come up with their conclusions.

Speaking about the study, lead author Patrick Forcelli, a graduate student in the Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience at GUMC said: “That is of particular concern because some of the drugs may predispose to psychiatric disorders later in life.

“At the same time, our studies identify specific drugs that cause little or no long-term behavioral impairment.”

He added that further research would help in the administration of better and less risky drugs for treating epilepsy, mood disorders or pain in babies and pregnant women.

The research was presented at the 39th annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience, where the scientists assessed the effect of drugs on behavioural function. (ANI)