Mental Health Care Provision and People with Epilepsy: An Exploratory Analysis

Background Epilepsy affects more than 6 million people in Europe with recent projections for Ireland identifying more than 37,000 cases. This makes epilepsy one of the most common neurological conditions but despite its... [ view full abstract ]

Background

Epilepsy affects more than 6 million people in Europe with recent projections for Ireland identifying more than 37,000 cases. This makes epilepsy one of the most common neurological conditions but despite its prevalence remains a much misunderstood and often stigmatised disability. Many people with epilepsy suffer from mental health problems; however the needs of such people in receipt of mental health care provision remain poorly understood and are under researched in Ireland.

Aim

The aim of this study is to explore and analyse mental health care provision for people with epilepsy.

Methods

Experienced Based Co-Design (EBCD) was used as the methodological approach. This involved two phases (1) the discovery phase and (2) the co-design phase. In-depth interviews with service users (n=12), service providers (n=13) and a joint co-designed focus group discussion were conducted and analysed using the Frameworks Approach. Ethical approval was granted by Waterford Institute of Technology and University Hospital Waterford Research Ethics Committees.

Findings

Results indicate that Irish mental health services need to be more aware and sensitive to the complex biological, psychological and social needs of men and women with epilepsy that engage such services. Some of the issues identified are in relation to responsiveness of services, diagnoses, parenting and stereotyping.


Conclusion

Irish mental health services need to be more aware and sensitive to their understanding of the needs of men and women with epilepsy that engage such services. Establishing greater links with The National Epilepsy Care Programme may offer a more sensitive approach for mental health care provision.