01440nam a2200241 4500000000100000008004100001260004400042653001900086653001100105653002400116653001600140653001800156653001300174653001900187653001900206653001600225653001300241100001300254245009000267300001300357520080600370020002201176 2017 d bSpringer International PublishingaCham10aStigmatization10aStigma10aMalleus Maleficarum10aFelt stigma10aEpilepsy care10aEpilepsy10aEnacted stigma10aDiscrimination10aconcealment10abullying1 aValeta T00aThe Epilepsy Book: A Companion for Patients - Stigma in Epilepsy and How to Combat It a173-178 3 a

From ancient times, people with epilepsy have been viewed with fear, suspicion, and misunderstanding and were subjected to enormous social stigma including punishments such as outcasts and death. Only in the nineteenth century, the scientific concept of epilepsy as a brain disorder became more widely accepted, especially in Europe and the USA, but again patients with epilepsy continued facing significant discrimination. Widespread ignorance, fear, misunderstanding, and stigma contributed to severe legal and social penalties. Society, prejudice, and people’s attitudes can influence the quality of life of people with epilepsy. Increasing knowledge about epilepsy by raising awareness and educating about the disorder is a significant factor toward eradicating epilepsy-related stigma.

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