Psychosocial outcomes of newly-diagnosed epilepsy

Abstract

It is well-established that the diagnosis of a chronic or life-threatening illness typically gives rise to signifi cant adjustment issues, as an individual seeks to make the necessary changes to lifestyle and self-perceptions to accommodate the diagnosis. Despite this, an understanding of the psychosocial adjustment process surrounding newly-diagnosed epilepsy is only beginning to emerge, with available evidence suggesting that management of this process may signifi cantly impact longer-term medical and psychosocial outcomes.