Abstracts

RATIONALE: While a limited literature on sexuality in epilepsy focuses on physiologic dysfunction, little is known about the psychological impact of having epilepsy on the quality of life related to sexuality. This study was performed to obtain patients[ssquote] perceptions of how having epilepsy affects diverse areas of their sexuality.
METHODS: Review of the experiences and feelings related to sexuality, expressed by patients during biopsychosocial interviews and psychotherapeutic sessions conducted by the clinical social worker of the Long Island Jewish Comprehensive Epilepsy Center. A sample of l0 patients was examined thus far.
RESULTS: Common concerns raised included feeling unattractive because of having epilepsy, associated driving restrictions, financial limitations and medication side effects. Patients with earlier age of seizure onset had less social skills and were less sexually active.
CONCLUSIONS: Epilepsy significantly impacts upon patients[ssquote] sexuality. Physicians and patients are often reluctant to discuss these issues. Our series should raise awareness of the importance of exploring sexual concerns with our epilepsy patients. Recognizing these problems can lead to important treatments including group therapy, couple counseling and individual psychotherapy. Such interventions can help people gain the self esteem and skills needed to negotiate a fuller sexual quality of life.