Apathy in Epilepsy

Apathy is a state of decreased motivation characterized by a decline in goal-directed behavior, goal-directed cognition, and emotional responsiveness. It is linked to a decline in the quality of life and hampers the patient’s capacity to engage in social activities, self-care, and rehabilitation programs. The occurrence of apathy has been linked to damage in the prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia. However, little research has been conducted on apathy in people with epilepsy (PWE), so the exact pathophysiological mechanism remains unknown. The duration of antiepileptic drug intake was related to apathy in PWE. The diagnosis of apathy holds significant importance, necessitating the use of proper assessment tools tailored for PWE. This review describes apathy in PWE, exploring its clinical significance and implications.