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Published on: January 19, 2019
[Epilepsy, society and rights]
1Servicio de Neurofisiología Clínica, Hospital Central de Asturias, Oviedo, España.
Revista De Neurologia
|May 1, 1998
Summary
Epilepsy is currently a neurological disorder, but was historically viewed as a psychiatric condition, leading to legal challenges and social stigma. Reclassifying epilepsy as neurological can improve social acceptance for patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Forensic Psychiatry
- Medical Law
Context:
- Historically, epilepsy was classified as a psychiatric disorder, influencing legal and social perceptions.
- Supreme Court case law has defined epilepsy as endogenous psychosis, equating it to insanity.
- This legal definition has been used to claim immunity from prosecution, but also resulted in social rejection for individuals with epilepsy.
Purpose:
- To analyze the historical and legal classification of epilepsy.
- To advocate for a clear legal classification of epilepsy as a neurological disorder.
- To address the social stigma associated with epilepsy due to its past psychiatric and legal definitions.
Summary:
- Epilepsy, now medically recognized as a neurological disorder, was previously categorized as a psychiatric condition.
- Legal definitions, particularly in case law, have equated epilepsy with insanity, impacting criminal responsibility.
- This historical classification has led to social rejection, highlighting a disconnect between medical and legal understanding.
Impact:
- Reclassifying epilepsy as a neurological disorder in legal contexts can mitigate social stigma.
- Promoting a clearer understanding between medicine and law is crucial for fair judgment and patient welfare.
- This reclassification aims to improve social acceptance and reduce discrimination against individuals with epilepsy.
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