Is epilepsy a mental illness?

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.

Is epilepsy a mental or physical disability?

Epilepsy is a physical, long-term condition and people with epilepsy are protected under the Equality Act, even if their seizures are controlled or if they don't consider themselves to be 'disabled'.

What kind of illness is epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a chronic noncommunicable disease of the brain that affects people of all ages. Around 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy, making it one of the most common neurological diseases globally. Nearly 80% of people with epilepsy live in low- and middle-income countries.

Can mental health cause epilepsy?

Given that depression and anxiety are common triggers for seizures, it's possible these conditions also could increase the frequency of seizures. Researchers are trying to find the connections between these conditions and epilepsy.

Is epilepsy an illness or a disability?

Epilepsy is considered a disability and it has a listing in the Social Security Administration (SSA) Blue Book.

The Intersection of Epilepsy and Psychiatric Disorders

Is epilepsy a serious illness?

People with status epilepticus have an increased risk of permanent brain damage and death. Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). People with epilepsy also have a small risk of sudden unexpected death. The cause is unknown, but some research shows it may occur due to heart or respiratory conditions.

Does epilepsy damage the brain?

Prolonged seizures are clearly capable of injuring the brain. Isolated, brief seizures are likely to cause negative changes in brain function and possibly loss of specific brain cells.

Is epilepsy related to anxiety?

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.

Which famous person has epilepsy?

Vincent van Gogh suffered from seizures doctors believed were cause by temporal lobe epilepsy. Composer George Gershwin was diagnosed with epilepsy. Actress Margaux Hemingway had from epilepsy from the age of seven. Korn front man Jonathan Davis believes his epilepsy was induced by years of drug use.

Does epilepsy change your personality?

Many people with epilepsy experience disagreeable changes in their emotions, and the link between mood disorders and epilepsy has been observed for more than 2,000 years. While this link has been noticed for many years, the relationship between seizures and mood disorders has not been well understood until recently.

What are 3 causes of epilepsy?

Does epilepsy get worse with age?

The incidence of any type of seizure increases substantially over the age of 60, commonly due to other neurological conditions such as dementia or stroke.

What are the 3 types of epilepsy?

Is epilepsy a form of autism?

Researchers do not believe epilepsy leads to or causes autism. They do not think autism causes epilepsy, either. However, others factors may make one of the conditions more likely. For example, if a child has an intellectual disability, they are more likely to develop epilepsy.

What jobs can I not do with epilepsy?

People with epilepsy are successfully employed in a variety of jobs that might be considered high-risk: police officer, firefighter, welder, butcher, construction worker, etc. Epilepsy is a highly variable disorder and it is difficult to generalize about safety issues.

Is epilepsy considered special needs?

The nation's special education law specifically mentions epilepsy in its definition of “Other Health Impairment,” a category under which children may be found eligible for special education and related services.

Will epilepsy shorten my life?

Epilepsy can shorten life, but most of the time it does not. Be aware of risks and take sensible precautions, but do not let the risks put you into a state of constant worry. Consult with your doctor for specific information about your risk factors for injury due to seizures.

Can someone with epilepsy live alone?

One out of five people living with epilepsy lives alone, according to the Epilepsy Foundation. This is welcome news for people who want to live independently. Even if there is a risk of seizure, you can build a daily routine on your terms.

What jobs can I do with epilepsy?

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.

Can epilepsy be cured?

While there are many medications, medical devices, and surgical options to treat epilepsy, right now there are no known cures for epilepsy. However, incredible advancements in research have helped us understand the mechanisms that cause seizures better than at any other point in history.

Can I drive with epilepsy?

To drive, you must meet all normal driving requirements and must have been completely free of seizures for one year, with or without taking anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). Different regulations may apply if your seizures do not affect your consciousness (see below).

Can you live a long life with epilepsy?

Many people with epilepsy can conduct a normal life. However, patients who have had epilepsy for a long time or whose epilepsy is difficult to control are at higher risk for unemployment. They may also need assistance in their daily life activities.

What are the long term effects of epilepsy?

Long lasting seizures, or status epilepticus, may also cause brain damage or death. People with epilepsy are eight times more likely than people without it to experience certain other chronic conditions, including dementia, migraine, heart disease, and depression.

Do seizures affect intelligence?

The myth: Epilepsy affects intelligence.

Learning can be made more difficult if seizures are frequent, or if medication has very pronounced side effects, such as causing drowsiness and excessive fatigue. However, epilepsy typically does not cause lower intelligence.