Psychosocial impact of epilepsy
For any disease, its psychosocial impact on the patient is just as important as physical symptoms. Though it occurs in transient spells, with phases of normalcy in between, epilepsy is a chronic illness and can become debilitating. In many social spheres, the stigma surrounding epilepsy makes it a psychological challenge for the patients, and may render them with mental illnesses. People believe epileptic patients as low-intellect creatures, or unable to conceive or give birth. Some people believe that epilepsy is contagious. All these misconceptions result in patients becoming social outcasts.
Besides stigma, the disease itself is restrictive, limiting patients of activities that are normal for any other person. This includes, driving, swimming or other precise occupational tasks.
Depression, anxiety and stress related to the disease itself and also secondary to social stigma can become an accessory illness for such patients. Patients are reported to be constantly battling mood changes, like irritation and anger management issues.