6 Psychosocial dilemmas Epilepsy is a unique, personal disorder that carries psychological and social constraints that many other chronic disorders do not. These complications often afflict the person with epilepsy more than the seizures themselves. Several interrelated factors seem to contribute to the array of psychosocial problems in those with epilepsy. Many patients describe feelings of helplessness or anxiety associated with the lack of control over when a seizure will occur. This fear can be overwhelming, especially for those who have already experienced the embarrassment of having a seizure in public.
Patients identify feelings of alienation due to the many societal misconceptions about epilepsy.
People with epilepsy often hide their disorder from others because in the past they have been ostracized when they shared the nature of their condition. Epilepsy falls under the Americans with Disabilities Act, but employment is often unjustly limited for those with epilepsy because of the misconceptions about the disorder. 7 Inaccurate views often lead employers to limit the types of jobs for a person with epilepsy. Common misconceptions are that people with epilepsy may harm themselves or others, upset other employees or customers, or miss work. The truth is that the majority of people with epilepsy can work independently or in a competitive environment.