Psychology and Neuropsychology
Studies have shown that persons with epilepsy are more likely to experience mood and anxiety symptoms, academic and vocational challenges, stigma, and social difficulties. In other words, epilepsy can affect all areas of a person's life throughout the life span. Psychologists work alongside the medical team to address these concerns and provide comprehensive, state of the art epilepsy care. Two types of psychologists, neuropsychologists and pediatric psychologists, have specialized training in working with persons with epilepsy. For example, neuropsychologists evaluate a person's strengths and weakness in cognition, memory, language, executive functions, and attention. Results from a neuropsychological evaluation may provide assistance in determining the location of seizures in the brain. Results may also be used to help make decisions about whether a person can have epilepsy surgery. Pediatric psychologists provide evidence-based psychological assessment and treatment for disruptive behaviors and mood and anxiety symptoms in children. They also work with youth and their families to help them cope with an epilepsy diagnosis and the associated challenges of living with epilepsy. In summary, psychologists work closely with the neurologists and epilepsy nurses to address and improve quality of life in youth and adults with epilepsy.