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Psychological Adjustment to Success and to Failure following Epilepsy Surgery

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 December 2014

Paul A. Derry  and
Samuel Wiebe
Paul A. Derry
Affiliation:
Department of Psychological Services, London Health Sciences Centre, University Campus, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
Samuel Wiebe
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, London Health Sciences Centre, University Campus, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
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Abstract

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Treatment-refractory epilepsy can directly impair psychological adjustment and quality of life. Epilepsy surgery is viewed by the patient as a stressful life event, arrived at after extensive deliberation. It is accompanied by expectations and anxiety for patients and their families. We suggest that the success of epilepsy surgery (as reflected by patient-perceived impact on quality of life) depends not only on reduced seizure frequency, but on personality factors and psychosocial issues. This paper reviews our research on these factors, along with suggestions for psychological assessment (of quality of life, and of personality) and psychological treatment. Studies of quality of life in patients undergoing temporal lobectomy are also examined. Finally, factors leading to the perception of “failed” epilepsy surgery are considered, along with suggested ways to manage such cases.

Type
Research Article
Information
Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences , Volume 27 , Issue S1: Canadian Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Surgery Workshop , May 2000 , pp. S116 - S120
Copyright
Copyright © The Canadian Journal of Neurological 2000

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