Living with Epilepsy

Psychological aspects of epilepsy
Depression and epilepsy
Mood changes and epilepsy
Memory problems and epilepsy
Useful memory tips


Dealing with the physical aspects of a seizure disorder is only half the battle. A diagnosis of epilepsy can bring a wide range of feelings such as shock, disbelief, denial, anger, fear, and worry.

Learning more about your condition and finding how proper treatment can control your seizures, may help you to become more positive about your condition. When you are established on treatment a period of more frequent seizures may bring negative feelings.
It may help to ask to see a counselor or join a support group.

Epilepsy can affect the way your brain functions in obvious and not-so-obvious ways. It can have an impact on your moods and reactions. You may not experience the following problems, but you should know that they are not uncommon among people with epilepsy.


Some people with epilepsy are at higher risk of depression than the general population. If you are depressed, you may:

Feel tired or down all the time
Lose interest in people or things around you
Sleep too much or not enough
Have changes in your weight or appetite
Find it hard to concentrate

Depression is not the same as the sadness we all feel sometimes. If you are feeling depressed or sad all the time, ask your Physician for help. You may also benefit from talking to a counselor or joining a support group.


Some people with a seizure disorder experience sudden mood swings. They may feel sad, afraid, irritable, angry or full of dread. These mood swings may be directly related to your seizures or they may be related to the antiepilepsy medication you are taking. Talk to your Physician if you, or the people around you, notice you have these kinds of changes.


Many people with epilepsy have memory problems. These problems may be due to the seizures themselves or the antiepilepsy medication. If you have memory problems, talk to your Physician. It may be possible to change or adjust your medication, or find other ways to cope.


Make lists
Take notes during phone conversations
Keep a calendar
Take notes at work
Use alarms, pill holders with compartments, or other medicine reminders and organizers
Use a tape recorder to record important things so that you will remember them