The Role of Glutamate and Blood–Brain Barrier Disruption as a Mechanistic Link between Epilepsy and Depression

Abstract

Epilepsy is associated with substantial neuropsychiatric impairments that persist long after the onset of the condition, significantly impacting quality of life. The goal of this review was to uncover how the pathological consequences of epilepsy, such as excessive glutamate release and a disrupted blood–brain barrier (BBB), contribute to the emergence of neuropsychiatric disorders. We hypothesize that epilepsy induces a dysfunctional BBB through hyperexcitation, which then further amplifies post-ictal glutamate levels and, thus, triggers neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric processes. This review identifies the determinants of glutamate concentration levels in the brain and explores potential therapeutic interventions that restore BBB integrity. Our focus on therapeutic BBB restoration is guided by the premise that it may improve glutamate regulation, consequently mitigating the neurotoxicity that contributes to the onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms.