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. 2000 Jan;41(1):98-104.
doi: 10.1111/j.1528-1157.2000.tb01512.x.

The stigma of epilepsy: a European perspective

G A Baker  1 , J Brooks, D Buck, A Jacoby
Affiliations

The stigma of epilepsy: a European perspective

G A Baker et al. Epilepsia. 2000 Jan.

Abstract

Purpose: To study the stigma of epilepsy in a European sample.

Methods: Clinical and demographic details and information about patient-perceived stigma was collected by using self-completed questionnaires mailed to members of epilepsy support groups.

Results: Stigma data were collected from >5,000 patients living in 15 countries in Europe. Fifty-one percent reported feeling stigmatised, with 18% reporting feeling highly stigmatised. High scores were correlated with worry, negative feelings about life, long-term health problems, injuries, and reported side effects of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Cross-cultural comparisons revealed significant differences between countries. A multivariate analysis identified impact of epilepsy, age of onset, country of origin, feelings about life, and injuries associated with epilepsy as significant contributors on scores on the stigma scale.

Conclusions: This study confirms the findings of previous studies that have identified the importance of both clinical and nonclinical factors in understanding the stigma of epilepsy. The results of cross-cultural differences require further explanation, and much more research should be conducted to reduce the stigma associated with epilepsy.

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