Socioeconomic accompaniments of severe epilepsy

Limited quantitative research has been undertaken on the social accompaniments of severe epilepsy. In this study we present new data from 92 patients with uncontrolled seizures necessitating admission to a special assessment unit in the United Kingdom. Comprehensive information on the medical, educational, and social history of each subject was obtained; moreover, they completed the Social Problems Questionnaire, which examines the respondent's level of satisfaction with various aspects of living including employment, finances, housing, etc. Thirty-nine percent of the sample reported moderate or severe dissatisfaction in four problem areas. The most frequently reported problems were with social contacts (73%) and employment (71%). The significance of these findings is discussed and some remedial strategies outlined.