Do People With Epilepsy Suffer From Low Self Esteem?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Do people with epilepsy suffer from low self esteem? For many children with epilepsy,

there is a close association between their self-esteem and their diagnosis of epilepsy

. As epilepsy can be unpredictable, this can cause feelings of anxiety, isolation and loss of control. If not carefully managed, these feelings may result in poor self-esteem.

How does epilepsy affect a person emotionally?

The most common mood disorders in people with epilepsy are

major depression and dysthymia

. Some people have milder forms of depression that may also affect quality of life and respond to treatment. Anxiety, while not technically a mood disorder, is another common emotion that occurs more often in people with epilepsy.

How does epilepsy affect a person socially?

People with epilepsy are generally found to have

fewer social supports

compared to those without this condition, are less likely to marry, have fewer children [11], have lower rates of employment [12] and cite lack of social engagement and difficulty in developing satisfying interpersonal relationships as common …

Can epilepsy cause personality changes?

Does epilepsy affect social skills?

In summary, epilepsy is a complex disorder that has an impact on many aspects of a child’s development and functioning. As a result, many of these children are at increased risk for unsuccessful school experiences; difficulties in social engagement with peers;

inadequate social-skills

; and poor self-esteem.

What is epilepsy personality?

Background. In the last century, many psychiatrists have discussed what is called “the epileptic personality,” which is

an inter-ictal syndrome characterized by explosive impulsivity, talkativeness or affective viscosity, and egocentricity (increased concern about the self)

.

Does epilepsy cause behavior problems?


All types of epilepsy can make children prone to behavior problems

: Complex partial seizures, especially of early onset—hyperactivity, problems in paying attention or controlling temper. Seizures from the left side—anxiety and frustration due to problems in understanding and expressing ideas.

What problems do people with epilepsy face?

People with epilepsy are more likely to have

psychological problems, especially depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors

. Problems may be a result of difficulties dealing with the condition itself as well as medication side effects, but even people with well-controlled epilepsy are at increased risk.

What is life like for someone with epilepsy?

People with epilepsy often experience changes in their quality of life such as

less mobility, as well as the impact on learning, school attendance, employment, relationships, and social interactions

.

What is the life expectancy of someone with epilepsy?

Reduction in life expectancy can be

up to 2 years for people with a diagnosis of idiopathic/cryptogenic epilepsy, and the reduction can be up to 10 years in people with symptomatic epilepsy

. Reductions in life expectancy are highest at the time of diagnosis and diminish with time.

Does epilepsy affect mental health?

The types of behavioral problems associated with epilepsy include

attention deficit, hyperactivity, anxiety, depression, aggression, and autism spectrum disorder

. Early identification and treatment of behavioral problems provides the best possible outcome.

Is epilepsy a mental disability?


Epilepsy is not a mental illness

. In fact, the vast majority of people living with epilepsy have no cognitive or psychological problem. For the most part, psychological issues in epilepsy are limited to people with severe and uncontrolled epilepsy.

Can epilepsy cause bipolar?


Another common mood disorder in people with epilepsy is bipolar affective disorder

. It is characterized by two types of symptoms: depression and mania.

Does epilepsy affect communication?


Young people with epilepsy may experience difficulties with communication and speech and language

. This includes listening and understanding what is being said to them and also finding the right words to express themselves and make themselves understood.

Is epilepsy hard to live with?


Most people with epilepsy live a full life

. However, the risk of early death is higher for some. We know that the best possible seizure control and living safely can reduce the risk of epilepsy-related death.

Does epilepsy affect memory?


The epilepsy may cause difficulties with being able to store memories

. Research has shown that people with epilepsy are prone to forget things more quickly than others.

What type of disability is epilepsy?

Is Epilepsy Considered A Disability?

Epilepsy is considered a disability

and it has a listing in the Social Security Administration (SSA) Blue Book. For epilepsy to qualify for disability benefits, it must meet the criteria of the Blue Book listing.

Is epilepsy linked to ADHD?


Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) occurs more frequently in people with epilepsy than in the general population

. Children with ADHD have an increased risk of seizures, with approximately 14% of children with ADHD developing seizures. ADHD is the most common co-occurring disorder in children with epilepsy.

Does epilepsy get worse with age?

Does epilepsy make you lazy?


One of the most common symptoms of epilepsy is fatigue

— chronic and overwhelming feelings of exhaustion, tiredness, or weakness. Fatigue is a much more common symptom in people living with epilepsy than in the general population.

Should epileptics live alone?


Living independently with epilepsy is not without risk

. These risks include a higher risk of accidents and premature death. Epilepsy has a considerable impact and significant social consequences. It can sometimes prevent someone from living alone or continuing to live independently.

Would you date someone with epilepsy?


Many people with epilepsy have fulfilling relationships with a partner

. However, epilepsy may affect relationships for some people, and problems with sex are common for both men and women with epilepsy. There are various ways to manage these problems and find support.

What foods should epileptics avoid?

How much sleep do epileptics need?

People with epilepsy should get adequate sleep – enough to feel refreshed the next day. In general, adults should try for

at least 7-8 hours a night

. Going to bed late (for example, 3 a.m. instead of 11 p.m.) can be compensated for by sleeping late (10 a.m. instead of 6 a.m.) and thereby avoiding sleep deprivation.

Can epilepsy make you depressed?


People with epilepsy are more likely to develop depression and other mood disorders, even before they have their first seizure

. This suggests that the changes in the brain that make a person susceptible to seizures also make them more susceptible to depression than the general population.

Is anxiety a side effect of epilepsy?

In any medical illness, patients may become anxious after the diagnosis of their condition. But anxiety is also related to epilepsy in more specific ways.

It can occur not only as a reaction to the diagnosis, but also as a symptom of the epilepsy, and, in some cases, as a side effect of antiepileptic medications

.

Can you marry someone with epilepsy?

A:

From a medical point of view, persons with epilepsy can marry

. However, in some countries there have been laws and in others even now there are laws that prevent persons with epilepsy to marry. It is important that the would be spouse of a person with epilepsy should be aware of the situation.

Is epilepsy linked to schizophrenia?


Studies have identified a clear association between epilepsy and mental disorders, including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia and psychosis

. A Danish study has e.g. shown that people with epilepsy have a risk of developing schizophrenia that is two-and-a-half times higher than those without epilepsy.

Can epileptics get pregnant?

What is an emotional seizure?

What mental health issues cause seizures?

  • a history of mood or personality disorders.
  • post-traumatic stress disorder.
  • dissociative disorders.
  • anxiety or an anxiety disorder.
  • depression.
  • a history of sexual or physical abuse.
  • family conflict or stress.
  • previous traumatic brain injury.

Can emotions trigger seizures?

Can epilepsy be caused by emotional trauma?

People with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have a higher risk of developing epilepsy in the future (6). Moreover, self-reported stress is the most common seizure precipitant (7). Therefore,

acute stress due to traumatic events could trigger an epileptic seizure

(8).

How does epilepsy cause depression?

People with epilepsy are more likely to develop depression and other mood disorders, even before they have their first seizure. This suggests that

the changes in the brain that make a person susceptible to seizures also make them more susceptible to depression than the general population

.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.