Need for More Attention to Mental Health in Children with Epilepsy Highlighted
September 2nd, 2009 |
A GoodTherapy.org News Headline
Epilepsy is a condition which affects scores of children around the world and can have considerable negative consequences for development and personal well-being. But the issue can also lead towards complications in mental health as well as the health of families, notes a UCLA professor concerned about modern treatment of epilepsy. Citing the need for greater attention to screening for mental health complications and involving the family in treatment, Professor Rochelle Caplan encouraged those within the mental health and medical communities to take action in helping to promote industry awareness about epilepsy in children.
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4 comments so far
Yes,it must be very hard for any child to view himself or herself as a sick child…The feeling that he/she is not ‘normal’ like other kids must be very difficult for a child,and may even lead to mental disorders including acquiring an inferiority complex. I have a friend whose child suffers from a skin disorder, and I know that all the family always has the child on their mind and are not truly content.
Things like this may lead to the child and the family being unhappy and dejected about life itself, and proper steps need to be taken to prevent this kind of a thing from occurring. Both treatment and a strong belief in the Almighty is necessary in such times.
I can’t imagine how terrifying the experience of a seizure must be for a child to go through and a parent to watch. And for teachers to not be educated about the potential these kids have is ridiculous! Clearly we’re letting them down by adding to their stress levels and it has to stop.
Children suffering from epilepsy are looked upon differently by a lot of people and I can say this by my own observation. It must be very stressful for them to face such a thing at such a small age. We must make sure that we give them full support if they are suffering from it, and not add to their suffering. Some people may not be able to help them, but my appeal to such people is-If you do not want to help them, at least do not hurt them. Just let them be, do not treat them differently.
I did not know that mental health could be impacted by epilepsy.