About Epilepsy
Psychosocial Consequences of an Epileptic/Seizure Attack.
Beyond the physical consequences of having epilepsy and experiencing epileptic/seizure attacks, the psychosocial effects can be more profound. Each person experiences these psychosocial effects differently.
For example, a person with epilepsy may receive negative reactions and feel a lack of support from their surroundings. Another individual may find that memory issues pose a barrier in the workplace.
Some psychosocial issues that people with epilepsy may experience include:
Feelings of Dependence:
Depending on the type and frequency of seizures, individuals with epilepsy may become more dependent on others. For instance, restrictions on activities such as driving alone may be imposed, especially if the person experiences nocturnal seizures. Someone may need to watch over them while sleeping.
Decreased Self-Confidence and Increased Anxiety
The sudden and often unpredictable nature of epileptic/seizure attacks can lead to anxiety, tension, and sometimes embarrassment.
Questions such as when will the next attack happen, what the consequences might be, and how others will react can affect self-confidence. To avoid having seizures in public, individuals may sometimes avoid specific activities, like refraining from driving, even if their seizures are under control. Additionally, some people may avoid water-related activities or reduce sexual activities due to fear of a seizure, although it is not widely known that sex can trigger seizures. However, the desire for sexual activity may decrease due to epilepsy medications.
Depression
This is often related to decreased self-confidence, anxiety, and sometimes social isolation. Scientific studies show that individuals with epilepsy often face symptoms of depression more frequently.
Difficulty Concentrating for Days after a Seizure
This can have a significant impact on daily functioning, work, and relationships.
Forgetfulness
Forgetting things more easily than before and noticing that others can retain information better. Memory problems can arise after a seizure – you may have a vague impression of things that happened before the seizure – or they can be more permanent. Some people may struggle to remember things like a shopping list, bills, and birthdays