Epilepsy - Lifestyle Changes

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Emotional and Psychologic Support

Many patients with epilepsy and parents whose children have epilepsy can benefit from support associations. These services are usually free and available in most cities.

Tips for Helping Children. Some of the following tips may help the child with epilepsy:

• Children should be treated as normally as possible by parents and siblings.
• Children should be assured that they will not die from epilepsy.
• Often children can be given the hope that they will outgrow the disorder.
• Most children will not have seizures triggered by sports or by any other ordinary activities that are enjoyable and healthy.
• As soon as they are old enough, children should be active participants in maintaining their drug regimens, which should be presented in as positive a light as possible.

Therapies for Children and Adults. Because of the risks for serious emotional consequences, psychological therapy may be beneficial and even necessary for some adults and children. In one study, cognitive behavioral therapy was helpful in lowering seizure rates in young people with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. This approach offers a structured counseling program that helps people change behaviors that can reduce seizure risk factors such as anxiety and insomnia.

Review Date: 11/15/2006
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital