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Roussos S, Gerogianni G, Vasilopoulos G, Koutelekos I, Pavlatou N, Kalogianni A, Toulia G, Zartaloudi A, Polikandrioti M. Factors Associated With Anxiety and Depression in Persons With Epilepsy (PWE). Cureus 2024; 16:e56401. [PMID: 38633953 PMCID: PMC11023706 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.56401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Epilepsy is a common neurological disease that is associated with increased morbidity and mortality globally. Persons with epilepsy (PWE) experience a heavy emotional burden mainly due to social stigmatization and limited opportunities in life. The purpose of this study was to explore factors associated with anxiety and depression in PWE. MATERIAL AND METHODS In the present cross-sectional study, we enrolled 100 PWE who visited outpatient settings in a public hospital for scheduled follow-up. Data collection was carried out by the completion of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), which included participants' characteristics. The statistical significance level was p < 0.05. RESULTS Of the 100 participants, the majority were women (65%), below 50 years old (62%), and single (40%). In terms of mental comorbidity, 58% and 48% experienced anxiety and depression, respectively. A statistically significant association was observed between anxiety and age (p = 0.002). Furthermore, a statistically significant association was observed between depression and gender (p = 0.044), age (p = 0.001), marital status (p = 0.036), educational level (p = 0.003), job (p = 0.025), residency (p = 0.041), and whether they went out at night (p = 0.009). CONCLUSION Identifying factors associated with anxiety and depression is essential for PWE to receive appropriate support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spyridon Roussos
- Department of Nursing, Postgraduate Program "Applied Clinical Nursing", University of West Attica, Athens, GRC
| | | | - Georgios Vasilopoulos
- Department of Nursing, Postgraduate Program "Applied Clinical Nursing", University of West Attica, Athens, GRC
| | | | - Niki Pavlatou
- Department of Nursing, University of West Attica, Athens, GRC
| | | | - Georgia Toulia
- Department of Nursing, University of West Attica, Athens, GRC
| | | | - Maria Polikandrioti
- Department of Nursing, Postgraduate Program "Applied Clinical Nursing", University of West Attica, Athens, GRC
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Lim SN, Wu T, Tseng WEJ, Chang CW, Hsieh HY, Cheng MY, Chiang HI, Lee CH, Lin WR, Liu CJ. Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy: Seizure and Social Outcomes in Taiwan. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11081197. [PMID: 37108031 PMCID: PMC10138449 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11081197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) may not achieve seizure freedom despite optimal treatment with antiseizure medications (ASMs). The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and social features of patients with JME, and to determine the factors associated with outcomes. We retrospectively identified 49 patients with JME (25 females, mean age 27.6 ± 8.9 years) who were assessed at the Epilepsy Centre of Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan. The patients were divided into two groups, those who were seizure-free and those with ongoing seizures according to their seizure outcome at the last follow-up for one year. Clinical features and social status were compared between these two groups. Twenty-four (49%) of the JME patients were seizure-free for at least one year, while 51% continued to experience seizures despite being treated with multiple ASMs. The presence of epileptiform discharges in the last electroencephalogram and seizures during sleep were significantly associated with worse seizure outcomes (p < 0.05). The patients who were seizure-free had a higher employment rate compared to those who continued to experience seizures (75% vs. 32%, p = 0.004). Despite receiving ASM treatment, a considerable proportion of the patients with JME continued to have seizures. Moreover, poor seizure control was associated with a lower employment rate, which may lead to negative socioeconomic consequences related to JME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siew-Na Lim
- Section of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Tony Wu
- Section of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Wei-En Johnny Tseng
- Section of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- PhD Program in Biomedical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Wei Chang
- Section of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Hsiang-Yao Hsieh
- Section of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Yun Cheng
- Section of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Hsing-I Chiang
- Section of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hong Lee
- Section of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Wey-Ran Lin
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Jing Liu
- Section of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
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Development of an instrument for measuring the work functioning of persons with epilepsy in clinical settings. Seizure 2023; 106:92-100. [PMID: 36805180 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2023.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the development process of the Work Functioning Assessment for Epilepsy (WOFAE), an instrument recently developed in Brazil for measuring the work functioning of persons with epilepsy (PwE) in clinical settings, and to evaluate to what extent this instrument is in line with existing generic and epilepsy-specific tools used to measure general and work functioning. METHODS The development process included four phases: the content development, based on a literature review and using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) as a reference framework; a preliminary field test, conducted with 20 PwE; an expert consultation, applying the Delphi Method; and the mapping and content comparison of the WOFAE to other five functioning assessments, using the ICF linking rules. RESULTS The WOFAE containing 46 items structured into eight domains was developed in an evidence-based and participatory process. It is broader in terms of body functions and environmental factors than the other functioning assessments. CONCLUSION It is a useful tool to guide multidisciplinary interventions, measure clinical progress and assess disability for the granting of social benefits and retirement pensions of PwE. The future phases consist of revision and psychometric analyses of the instrument to ensure its validity and reliability.
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Hagemann A, Lahr D, May TW, Speicher P, Hausfeld H, Coban I, Müffelmann B, Bien CG, Specht U. Efficacy of a specialized inpatient rehabilitation program in patients with early versus chronic epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 142:108999. [PMID: 36446667 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of a specialized inpatient rehabilitation program in patients with early in comparison with chronic epilepsy. METHODS We performed a prospective, open pre/post study using a parallel group design. Patients with early epilepsy (EE, treatment with anti-seizure medication [ASM] ≤ 1 year) or with chronic epilepsy (CE, ASM treatment > 5 years) completed questionnaires at the time of their admission to the rehabilitation program and at discharge. Outcome measures comprised scales from the PESOS questionnaire (PErformance, SOciodemographic aspects, Subjective estimation; e.g., emotional adaptation to epilepsy) as well as screening instruments for depression (Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory for Epilepsy, NDDI-E) and anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, GAD-7). Linear mixed models (LMMs) were used to determine the effects of the program in the total group and to compare the effects between patients with EE and CE. RESULTS The analyses included 79 patients with EE and 157 patients with CE. Baseline comparisons revealed differences in disease-related and sociodemographic variables (e.g., patients with EE were older, those with CE had a higher seizure frequency and a higher rate of unemployment; all p < .01). LMMs showed significant improvements in emotional adaptation to epilepsy, depression, anxiety, overall quality of life and overall health as well as in perceived overall restrictions because of epilepsy and the subjective level of information about epilepsy (all p < .001). Despite the different duration of epilepsy, baseline levels as well as improvements did not differ between patients with EE and CE (all p > .05) except for the perceived level of information, which was significantly lower in patients with EE at admission and improved to a higher extent in this group (both p < .001). CONCLUSION Both patients with EE and patients with CE who are referred to a specialized comprehensive rehabilitation program benefit from the participation in this program with respect to emotional adaptation to epilepsy, aspects of quality of life, and level of information about epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Hagemann
- Society for Epilepsy Research, Maraweg 21, 33617 Bielefeld, Germany.
| | - Denise Lahr
- Bielefeld University, Medical School, Department of Epileptology (Krankenhaus Mara), Maraweg 21, 33617 Bielefeld, Germany.
| | - Theodor W May
- Society for Epilepsy Research, Maraweg 21, 33617 Bielefeld, Germany.
| | - Pascal Speicher
- Bielefeld University, Medical School, Department of Epileptology (Krankenhaus Mara), Maraweg 21, 33617 Bielefeld, Germany.
| | - Heiko Hausfeld
- Bielefeld University, Medical School, Department of Epileptology (Krankenhaus Mara), Maraweg 21, 33617 Bielefeld, Germany.
| | - Ingrid Coban
- Bielefeld University, Medical School, Department of Epileptology (Krankenhaus Mara), Maraweg 21, 33617 Bielefeld, Germany.
| | - Birgitt Müffelmann
- Bielefeld University, Medical School, Department of Epileptology (Krankenhaus Mara), Maraweg 21, 33617 Bielefeld, Germany.
| | - Christian G Bien
- Society for Epilepsy Research, Maraweg 21, 33617 Bielefeld, Germany; Bielefeld University, Medical School, Department of Epileptology (Krankenhaus Mara), Maraweg 21, 33617 Bielefeld, Germany.
| | - Ulrich Specht
- Bielefeld University, Medical School, Department of Epileptology (Krankenhaus Mara), Maraweg 21, 33617 Bielefeld, Germany.
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Dual burdens of felt stigma and depressive symptoms in patients with epilepsy: Their association with social anxiety, marriage, and employment. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 134:108782. [PMID: 35914436 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The present study evaluated whether patients with epilepsy with dual conditions of felt stigma and depressive symptoms are more strongly associated with social anxiety, being unmarried, and being unemployed than those with depressive symptoms or felt stigma alone. METHODS This multicenter, cross-sectional study evaluated subjects using the Stigma Scale-Revised, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and the six-item versions of the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale, and the companion Social Phobia Scale. Subjects were grouped by depressive symptoms and felt stigma into four groups. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS The 298 subjects included 173 men and 125 women. Of these subjects, 35 (11.7%) had depressive symptoms alone, 33 (11.1%) had stigma alone, and 27 (9.1%) had both depressive symptoms and felt stigma. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that, compared with the control group having neither depressive symptoms nor felt stigma, the odds ratios (ORs) for social interaction anxiety and social phobia were highest in the group of dual conditions (OR 18.7 and 13.5, respectively), followed by the depression-alone (OR 7.7 and 4.6, respectively) and stigma-alone (OR 5.0 and 2.8, respectively) groups. Similarly, the ORs for being unmarried (OR 29.2) and unemployed (OR 3.1) were significant only in the group of dual conditions. In addition, male sex and younger age were independently associated with being unmarried whereas seizures recurring ≥1 per month were independently associated with being unemployed. CONCLUSIONS Dual conditions of felt stigma and depressive symptoms may be more strongly associated with social anxiety, being unmarried, and being unemployed than depressive symptoms or felt stigma alone in patients with epilepsy.
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Abuhamdah SMA, Naser AY, Abualshaar MAR. Knowledge of and Attitude towards Epilepsy among the Jordanian Community. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10081567. [PMID: 36011224 PMCID: PMC9408541 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10081567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Epilepsy is a disorder characterized by recurring seizures that do not have an immediate identifiable cause. It is a disorder with complex symptoms and a wide range of risk factors, with age, genetics, and origin being the most prevalent variations. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge of and attitude towards epilepsy among the Jordanian community. Method: An online cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire was conducted between 29 March and 15 May 2022 in Jordan. In this study, three previously validated questionnaire items were adapted and employed. Binary logistic regression was applied to identify predictors of good knowledge and a positive attitude. Results: A total of 689 participants were involved in this study. A weak level of knowledge about epilepsy was observed among the study participants (35.3%). The participants showed a moderately positive attitude towards epilepsy (63.3%). Being female, holding a bachelor’s degree, knowing anyone who had epilepsy and seeing anyone having an epileptic seizure were factors that positively affected participants’ knowledge about epilepsy. Being aged between 24 and 29 years or being divorced were factors that affected the participants’ attitudes negatively towards epilepsy. Conclusion: The study’s participants had limited knowledge of epilepsy and a favorable attitude toward it. The community’s understanding of epilepsy and attitude toward epilepsy patients should be improved by an informed educational effort on the part of various media platforms. All facets of the community, including parents, should be the focus of these initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sawsan M. A. Abuhamdah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Al-Ain University, Abu Dhabi Campus, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 112612, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +971-2-4444228
| | - Abdallah Y. Naser
- Department of Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Isra University, Amman 11622, Jordan
| | - Mohammed Ahmed R. Abualshaar
- Department of Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Isra University, Amman 11622, Jordan
- Quality Assurance Department, Hikma Pharmaceuticals, Amman 11118, Jordan
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Mireia G, Lara GL, Marta J, Marina HS, Alejandra F, Jordi C, Luis BJ, Laia GL. Clinical factors associated with work disability in epilepsy: A cross-sectional study at a tertiary referral hospital. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 124:108310. [PMID: 34530247 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The impact of epilepsy on work disability remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the percentage of patients with epilepsy who are unemployed or on temporary or permanent disability leave and to analyze associated clinical factors. METHODS We performed an observational cross-sectional study of consecutively recruited patients with epilepsy seen at a specialized epilepsy unit or admitted to the epilepsy monitoring unit of a tertiary referral hospital. We analyzed the percentage of patients who were actively employed, unemployed, and on temporary or permanent disability leave. The groups were compared for sociodemographic data (age, sex, marital status, and type of work), clinical data (type of epilepsy, disease duration, monthly seizure frequency, and presence of anxiety or depression), treatment-related factors, and quality of life. RESULTS We included 742 patients (53% male, mean age 44.3 ± 13.7 years old): 40.5% were employed, 29.2% were unemployed, 19% were on temporary disability leave, and 11.1% had a permanent work disability. Depressive symptoms and poorer quality of life were associated with unemployment (OR 2.3, p = 0.02 and OR 1.8, p = 0.01), temporary disability leave (OR 1.4, p = 0.05 and OR 1.7, p = 0.02), and permanent work disability (OR 1.9, p = 0.01 and OR 2.2, p = 0.01). Low-skilled work was also predictive of unemployment (OR 1.9, p = 0.04), temporary disability leave (OR 2.8, p = 0.03), and permanent work disability (OR 1.7, p = 0.04). A higher monthly seizure frequency was associated with permanent work disability (OR 2.01, p = 0.02). CONCLUSION Less than 50% of patients with epilepsy in our setting are working. Factors associated with unemployment and work disability are a higher frequency of seizures, low-skilled work, depressive symptoms, and poor quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gea Mireia
- Department of Neurosciences, Hospital Germans Trias I Pujol, C/ Canyet s/n, 08916 Badalona, Spain
| | - Grau-López Lara
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jiménez Marta
- Department of Neurosciences, Hospital Germans Trias I Pujol, C/ Canyet s/n, 08916 Badalona, Spain
| | - Hernández-Stahl Marina
- Department of Neurosciences, Hospital Germans Trias I Pujol, C/ Canyet s/n, 08916 Badalona, Spain
| | - Fumanal Alejandra
- Department of Neurosciences, Hospital Germans Trias I Pujol, C/ Canyet s/n, 08916 Badalona, Spain
| | - Ciurans Jordi
- Department of Neurosciences, Hospital Germans Trias I Pujol, C/ Canyet s/n, 08916 Badalona, Spain
| | - Becerra Juan Luis
- Department of Neurosciences, Hospital Germans Trias I Pujol, C/ Canyet s/n, 08916 Badalona, Spain
| | - Grau-López Laia
- Department of Neurosciences, Hospital Germans Trias I Pujol, C/ Canyet s/n, 08916 Badalona, Spain.
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Seizure and social outcomes in patients with non-surgically treated temporal lobe epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 122:108227. [PMID: 34343960 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the seizure outcome with medical treatment in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and its associated factors. We also investigated the social outcome of the patients. METHODS This was a retrospective study of a prospectively built electronic database of patients with epilepsy. All patients with a diagnosis of TLE were studied at the outpatient epilepsy clinic at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran, from 2008 until 2019. In a phone call to the patients, at least 24 months after their diagnosis at our center, we investigated their current seizure control and social status. RESULTS Two hundred and twenty-two patients were studied; 101 patients (45.5%) were seizure free. A lower number of the prescribed drugs was the only factor with a significant association with the seizure-free outcome (Odds Ratio: 1.460; p = 0.001). At the time of the phone call, 76 patients (37.6%) reported having a college education, 103 patients (51%) were employed, 146 patients (72.3%) were married, and 81 patients (40%) reported driving a motor vehicle. The employment status, college education, and driving a motor vehicle were significantly associated with a seizure-free outcome status. The social achievements of the patients, who were partially responsive to medical therapy, were significantly worse than those who were seizure free. CONCLUSION Many patients with TLE may suffer from drug-resistant seizures. Ongoing seizures in these patients may affect their social lives substantially. Seizure reduction (not freedom) is not good enough to help the patients with TLE enjoy a healthy life with satisfactory social achievements.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Epilepsy and mental illness share similar problems in terms of stigma, as a result of centuries of superstition, ignorance and misbeliefs. Stigma leads not only to discrimination and civil and human rights violations but also to poor access to healthcare and non-adherence or decreased adherence to treatment, ultimately increasing morbidity and mortality. Despite continuous efforts in fighting stigma in these conditions, there is very limited knowledge on the phenomenon of double stigma, meaning the impact of having two stigmatised conditions at the same time. AIMS To discuss double stigma in mental health with special reference to epilepsy. METHOD Articles were identified through searches in PubMed up to 31 October 2019 using the search terms 'epilepsy', 'psychiatric disorders', 'stigma' and additional material was identified from the authors' own files and from chosen bibliographies. RESULTS Double stigma is gaining attention for other stigmatised medical conditions, such as HIV, however, the literature on epilepsy is almost non-existent and this is quite astonishing given that one in three people with epilepsy have a lifetime diagnosis of a psychiatric condition. Felt (perceived) stigma and psychiatric disorders, particularly depression, create a vicious circle in epilepsy maintaining both, as depression correlates with stigma and vice versa as well as epilepsy and depression serving as bidirectional risk factors. This phenomenon has no geographical and economic boundaries as similar data have been reported for low-income and high-income countries. CONCLUSIONS Governments and policymakers as well as health services, patients' organisations, families and the general public need to be aware of the phenomenon of double stigma in order to develop campaigns and interventions tailored for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Mula
- Institute of Medical and Biomedical Education, St George's University of London, UK; and the Atkinson Morley Regional Neuroscience Centre, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Kenneth R Kaufman
- Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, USA; and Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
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Gabriel D, Ventura M, Samões R, Freitas J, Lopes J, Ramalheira J, Martins da Silva A, Chaves J. Social impairment and stigma in genetic generalized epilepsies. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 104:106886. [PMID: 31931462 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.106886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients with epilepsy have poor social outcome. Multifactorial factors are usually involved, but among them, stigma features may have an important role. Genetic generalized epilepsies (GGEs) were previously considered "benign" syndromes. The aim of our study was to assess social impairment and stigma in GGE and to evaluate differences between the following GGE subsyndromes: juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME), juvenile absence epilepsy (JAE), and generalized tonic-clonic seizures alone (GTCSA). Additionally, we compared these outcomes with outcomes from a cohort of patients with epilepsy with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis (MTLE-HS), a severe and difficult-to-treat syndrome. Results were compared with social data from the general population. METHODS Adult patients with epilepsy with a previously classified GGE or MTLE-HS were consecutively invited to fill in a sociodemographic and stigma questionnaire in outpatient clinic. Clinical data and psychiatric comorbidities were retrieved from clinical notes. RESULTS Questionnaires from 333 patients were obtained: 226/67% from patients with GGE (JME: 106/31.8%, GTCSA: 74/22.2%, and JAE: 46/13.8%) and 107/32.1% from patients with MTLE-HS. We found that patients with GGE have a good academic achievement but they have increased difficulties in finding a partner, higher rates of divorce, and a reduced number of children per woman and per man when compared with general population. We also observed that patients with GGE have higher rates of unemployment (22.6%) and lower monthly income than general population. Severe problems in housing were only seen in GGEs. Of these, 3 patients (1.3%) were in homeless condition. Over half (52%) of patients with MTLE-HS and over a quarter (28%) of patients with GGE experienced felt stigma. Psychiatric comorbidity was highly prevalent among GGE (34.1%), especially in patients with refractory epilepsy. Mood and anxiety disorders were the most prevalent conditions. No other significant differences were found between GGE subsyndromes. DISCUSSION We found an impairment in every social domain assessed (except in level of education) when compared with general population. Most of the social outcome parameters were unexpectedly close or similar to MTLE-HS or even worse as it was the prevalence of homelessness among GGE. Social impairment is underdiagnosed and might be considered in clinical practice even in syndromes for some time considered benign such as GGE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Gabriel
- Serviço de Neurologia, Departamento de Neurociências, Hospital de Santo António, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Largo do Prof. Abel Salazar, 4099-001 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Magda Ventura
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Raquel Samões
- Serviço de Neurologia, Departamento de Neurociências, Hospital de Santo António, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Largo do Prof. Abel Salazar, 4099-001 Porto, Portugal
| | - Joel Freitas
- Serviço de Neurofisiologia, Departamento de Neurociências, Hospital de Santo António, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Largo do Prof. Abel Salazar, 4099-001 Porto, Portugal
| | - João Lopes
- Serviço de Neurofisiologia, Departamento de Neurociências, Hospital de Santo António, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Largo do Prof. Abel Salazar, 4099-001 Porto, Portugal
| | - João Ramalheira
- Serviço de Neurofisiologia, Departamento de Neurociências, Hospital de Santo António, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Largo do Prof. Abel Salazar, 4099-001 Porto, Portugal
| | - António Martins da Silva
- Serviço de Neurofisiologia, Departamento de Neurociências, Hospital de Santo António, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Largo do Prof. Abel Salazar, 4099-001 Porto, Portugal; UMIB - Unidade Multidisciplinar de Investigação Biomédica, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - João Chaves
- Serviço de Neurologia, Departamento de Neurociências, Hospital de Santo António, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Largo do Prof. Abel Salazar, 4099-001 Porto, Portugal; UMIB - Unidade Multidisciplinar de Investigação Biomédica, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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Isaza-Jaramillo S, Salazar-Velásquez LV, Portillo-Benjumea M, Carrizosa-Moog J. The abbreviation "PWE" may carry a negative connotation compared with the labels "person with epilepsy" and "epileptic". Seizure 2020; 76:167-172. [PMID: 32109734 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2020.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Ways of labeling a person with epilepsy (PWE) may have an impact on public position towards affected persons. This study analyzed college students position changes, influenced by three different labels of PWE. METHODS Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study. Students of three schools answered one of three questionnaires whose content changed in the labeling form: person with epilepsy, epileptic or PWE. Proportions were compared with Chi square test or Fisher's exact test to explore considering age, gender, religion practicing, socioeconomic status, knowing an affected person and by faculty. RESULTS A total of 273 questionnaires were included were distributed in medicine 133 (48.7 %), engineering 108 (39.6 %) and law 32 (11.7 %) schools. Labeling type distribution was person with epilepsy 94 (34.4 %), epileptic 93 (34.1 %) and PWE 86 (31.5 %. No statistical differences were found according the labels person with epilepsy and epileptic. The abbreviation PWE had statistical significant connotation in aspects of academic achievement p = 0,007, selecting a PWE in your work team p = 0,009, self control p < 0,000, being dangerous p < 0,000 and having any disturbance in thought or behavior p = 0,05. Religion practicing, socioeconomic status and knowing a person with epilepsy did not impact in attitude related to labeling. Engineering and law students expressed their concern in employability. CONCLUSION The abbreviation PWE may have negative connotations when used in written questionnaires. No differences were found with the labels person with epilepsy and epileptic in college students. More studies are needed to explore the stigmatizing or destigmatizing effects of labeling a person with epilepsy on different populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Isaza-Jaramillo
- Adult Neurology Service, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Antioquia, Cra. 51d # 62-29, Medellín, Colombia.
| | | | | | - Jaime Carrizosa-Moog
- Child and Adolescent Neurology Service, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Antioquia, Calle 18 B Sur No. 38-51, Medellín, Colombia.
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Carrizosa-Moog J, Salazar-Velasquez LV, Portillo-Benjumea M, Rodriguez-Mejia A, Isaza-Jaramillo S. Does public attitude change by labeling a person as epileptic, person with epilepsy or the acronym PWE? A systematic review. Seizure 2019; 69:273-278. [PMID: 31129367 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2019.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE It is still unknown if attitudinal differences by diverse labeling of persons with epilepsy could be universally accepted with the actual literature evidence. The manner in which questions are constructed could also have an impact in final results. The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the published articles regarding changes in public´s attitude towards epilepsy by labeling a person as epileptic, person with epilepsy or with the acronym PWE. METHODS We undertook a systematic review of the literature using common databases with specific keywords and combinations searching for original articles, meta-analysis and systematic reviews. Sociodemographic variables, attitude results and questions style were analyzed in included articles. RESULTS Four original articles were found. Significant attitudinal changes were described in three studies with the label person with epilepsy. One study failed to demonstrate an attitudinal change by distinct labeling of a person with epilepsy. All questions were formulated in a personal way. Few neutral and mostly induced questions were found in the studies. CONCLUSION By the use of the label "person with epilepsy" there is a trend towards positive changes in public's attitudes, although evidence is scarce to consider this tendency as universally applicable. More studies are needed considering widespread social and cultural backgrounds and patient opinion. Language power by wording type could be a key consideration for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Carrizosa-Moog
- Department of Pediatrics, Child Neurology Service, University of Antioquia, Calle 18B Sur No 38 - 51 Apto 304, Medellín, Colombia.
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Myers L, Lancman M, Laban-Grant O, Lancman M, Jones J. Socialization characteristics in persons with epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2017; 72:99-107. [PMID: 28575775 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2017.04.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2016] [Revised: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 04/22/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this report was to describe social behaviors and preferences in adults with epilepsy, including self-reported use of various socialization media (face-to-face and indirect communication) as well as perceived social barriers. METHODS 1320 consecutive persons with epilepsy (PWEs) confirmed through inpatient video-EEG monitoring were administered a questionnaire on the day of their first appointment. The questionnaire was designed to assess preferences in socialization practices, frequency of interpersonal contact, use of social media, and perceived barriers to socialization. The survey was developed to gain a better understanding of the socialization behaviors and preferences of our patients for the future development of customized activities in our wellness program. RESULTS Our sample revealed higher rates of unemployment and single status as compared to the US Census of 2012. With regard socialization however, many were quite social (86% reported daily/weekly communication with friends and family via telephone, 71% saw relatives in person weekly, 68% saw friends weekly, and 65% reported using the computer daily/weekly to socialize). Facebook® was the preferred on-line social media. Indoor/solitary activities were most common with 63% stating they watch TV/read/use the computer followed by physical exercise and spending time outdoors (36%). The frequency of socialization with friends, relatives, and coworkers decreased with the respondents' age and the longer the respondent had carried the diagnosis of epilepsy. Respondents who were taking a greater number of AEDs or were considered refractory were less likely to consider participating in socialization-enhancing activities. The primary barriers to socialization that respondents endorsed were driving prohibition and medication side-effects. Respondents expressed the greatest interest in online support groups or educational programs (31%), office-based support groups (25%), and volunteering (19%). CONCLUSION Although the respondents indicate that they do face barriers to socialization, a majority report frequent communication with relatives and friends via phone, in-person and social media. When designing wellness interventions with this group of patients in the future, online, as well as face to face options for support appear to be desired by a number of PWEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorna Myers
- Northeast Regional Epilepsy Group, United States.
| | | | | | | | - Jace Jones
- Northeast Regional Epilepsy Group, United States
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Factors affecting the employability in people with epilepsy. Epilepsy Res 2016; 128:6-11. [PMID: 27792885 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2016.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2016] [Revised: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE People with epilepsy (PWE) are negatively prejudiced in their ability to work. This study aimed to examine demographic, clinical and psychological factors associated with employability in PWE. METHODS This study recruited epilepsy patients from a neurology clinic in Malaysia. Employability was measured using employment ratio, with a ratio ≥90% (ER90) classified as high employability. Basic demographic data such as age, gender, marital status, religion, education level and household income was collected. Clinical measures consisted of age of seizure onset, seizure frequency, type of epilepsy, aura, polytherapy, nocturnal seizures and seizure control. Psychological measures included Work Self-Determination Index (WSDI), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (SES), and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). RESULTS Of 146 PWE, 64.4% had high employability. The participants were predominantly female (52%), Chinese (50.7%), single (50%), having tertiary education (55.5%) and focal epilepsy (72.6%). Clinically, only type of epilepsy was significantly correlated to employability of PWE. Employability of PWE was associated with ability to work (indicated by education level, work performance affected by seizures, ability to travel independently and ability to cope with stress at work) and family overprotection. The high employability group was found to have lower self-perceived stigma (ESS), higher self-determined motivation (WSDI), self-esteem (SES) and perceived social support (MSPSS), than the low employability group. Logistic regression analysis showed that tertiary education level (AOR 3.42, CI: 1.46-8.00), higher self-determination (WSDI, AOR 1.09, CI: 1.012-1.17), lower family overprotection (AOR 0.76, CI: 0.61-0.95), and generalised epilepsy (AOR 4.17, CI: 1.37-12.70) were significant predictors for higher employability in PWE. CONCLUSION Ability to work (education level), clinical factor (type of epilepsy) and psychological factor (self-determined motivation and family overprotection) were important factors affecting employability in PWE.
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