Depression & other disorders are underdiagnosed & undertreated in young people with epilepsy. Signs of depression are often dismissed as normal reactions, even though depression is a risk factor for suicide. A strong correlation between epilepsy & depression has been demonstrated in a variety of studies. At the time of initial diagnostic evaluation, a psychiatric & psychosocial assessment should also be done to identify the patient’s risk for depression. Effective treatment options include both somatic & nonsomatic therapies & combinations thereof. (53 refs.)