Epilepsy and mental health

Discrimination against people with epilepsy can make them vulnerable to mental health issues
Epilepsy and mental health

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder of the brain in which a person has recurrent seizures. While the disorder can be managed with treatment and medication, the person also experiences social distress. "Nearly 80% of people with epilepsy receive treatment and medication and almost all of them get relief from seizures in the long run. About 20% of them are affected by other issues such as mental retardation, cerebral palsy or some form of brain injury," says Dr HV Srinivas, a neurologist based in Bangalore.

Epilepsy and mental health

Epilepsy is a disorder associated with significant psychological consequences. A person with epilepsy may experience poor self-esteem and increased levels of anxiety and depression. 

A person who has an epileptic attack for the first time may experience:

  • Shock, fear, grief or denial

  • Fear of having an attack at school, work or in social situations

  • Fear of being sent away from their place of education or work

These fears can cause distress to their caregivers too.

Experts recommend that if the person with illness has been experiencing any form of emotional distress for a prolonged period affecting their daily functioning, they should consider seeking help for their emotional health. 

Coping with the mental health aspects

Often, people know very little about epilepsy or misunderstand the diagnosis to be a mental illness that is untreatable. Experts suggest some simple steps that can help the person and their family cope with the distress resulting from epilepsy.

  • Accept the disorder and believe that continuing medication and treatment as per your doctor's prescription will help you in the long run

  • Participate in sports or some form of physical activity to keep yourself fit and occupied. But avoid activities such as swimming, driving, motor racing or rock climbing, where your life may be at risk should you have an attack

  • Get sufficient sleep. Avoid or limit alcohol

  • Find ways of coping with emotional distress

  • Take your medication regularly

If you are a caregiver to a person with epilepsy, try not to be overprotective; rather, treat them as you would any other individual.

References

de Boer HM1, Mula M, Sander JW. The global burden and stigma of epilepsy. Epilepsy & behavior 2008;12:540-546.

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