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[Epilepsy, society and rights]

F Villanueva-Gómez1

  • 1Servicio de Neurofisiología Clínica, Hospital Central de Asturias, Oviedo, España.

Revista De Neurologia
|May 1, 1998
PubMed
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.

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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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