Psychosocial and Cultural Aspects of Epilepsy
نویسنده
چکیده
Epileptic activity within the brain has an effect on the behavior, mood, and cognitive functions of the epileptic patient. Additionally, his/her behavior and mood may be affected by the attitude of others to his/her disability. Furthermore, the patient’s social and psychological adaptations may modify his/her epileptic experiences. As a consequence of the interaction between these aspects patients with epilepsy face many cultural and psychosocial problems (Betts et al., 1976). The definition of the term psycho-social in dictionaries is “pertaining to or concerning the mental factors or activities which determine the social relations of an individual” (Webster, 2011). Meanwhile, the definition of culture is all the knowledge and values shared by a society (Webster, 2011). As many as possible previously published studies on the psychosocial and cultural aspects of epilepsy were identified from various parts of the world by using multiple search strategies. Published literatures cover varieties of areas, including: psychiatric problems (e.g. mood disorders, anxiety, psychotic disorders); feeling of shame, fear, and worry; low self-esteem; problems related to education, employment, dating, marriage, child-bearing, poor quality of life, and stigma (Lai, 2007). Publications on the link between culture and epilepsy show the believed etiology of epilepsy, public awareness, understanding and attitude toward epilepsy (Fong & Hung, 2002). Although some of these aspects have been considered in earlier chapters, at the risk of some repetition, we aim in this chapter to introduce an overview of different psychosocial areas related to epilepsy and examining the public awareness, understanding and attitudes of different cultures to epilepsy.
منابع مشابه
Psychosocial challenges affecting the quality of life in adults with epilepsy and their carers in Africa: A review of published evidence between 1994 and 2014
BACKGROUND Little attention has been paid to the psychosocial challenges of adult patients with epilepsy and their carers in Africa in published studies conducted between 1994 and 2014 - yet these psychosocial challenges have been reported to have a major impact on the quality of life (QOL) of people living with the illness and those who care for them. AIM This review aimed to examine the lit...
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