J Korean Epilepsy Soc.  2008 Jun;12(1):3-10.

Social Issues and Quality of Life with Epilepsy, Legal Concerns and Effective Advocatory Strategies

• Kim JE

Abstract

There has been a longstanding concern in the field of epilepsy that, although progress continues to be made relative to medical management of epilepsy, attention is less focused on social adjustment of individuals with epilepsy. For many people with epilepsy, the continuing social reality of their condition lies as a stigma. While there have been documented improvements in public attitudes towards epilepsy, the remnants of "old" ideas about epilepsy continue to inform popular concepts resulting in a difficult social environment for those affected. The social and quality of life problems arising from a diagnosis of epilepsy can represent greater challenges than warranted by its clinical severity. The relationship between stigma and impaired quality of life is well documented. We need to champion a better resourced research agenda into the social realities of epilepsy, and the ways these can be improved.

Keyword

Epilepsy; Stigma; Social issue

MeSH Terms

Epilepsy
Quality of Life
Social Adjustment
Social Environment