Epilepsi, mobbing og psykisk helse

Background About 30 000 people in Norway are diagnosed with epilepsy. Epilepsy comprises challenges beyond the direct consequences of seizures and medication, and affective disorders are overrepresented. The aim of the present study was to assess the psychosocial challenges associated with epilepsy. Material and method 174 people with epilepsy aged 14-40 years participated in the study. 143 were included at Drammen hospital, and 32 were included at the summer camp for youths arranged by the Norwegian Epilepsy Association. The participants responded to questionnaires concerning psychosocial and clinical factors associated with epilepsy. Results Of the included, 44% (76/174) had been bullied. Sixty-six percent of those who had been bullied and 34% of those who had not been bullied needed psychiatric health care (p<0,001). Forty-six percent of those who had been bullied and 30% of those who had not been bullied reported poor school attendance (p<0,001). The diagnosis of epilepsy influenced vocational choice in 49% of those who had been bullied, and in 35% of those who had not been bullied (p<0,001). Interpretation A large proportion of people with epilepsy are victims of bullying, and the bullying influences school attendance and vocational choice. There is a strong need for increased knowledge and understanding in the close surroundings of people with epilepsy, in order to prevent prejudice, stigma, and bullying.