INTERNALIZED STIGMA AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH EPILEPSY AND FUNCTIONAL NEUROLOGICAL DISORDER

Abstract

The aims of this research are two-folded: First to examine the differences on internalized stigma and quality of life in patients diagnosed with epilepsy and functional neurological disorder. Second, to examine the gender differences on internalized stigma and quality of life in patients diagnosed with epilepsy and functional neurological disorder. A purposive sample of 60 patients with epilepsy and 60 with functional neurological disorder was recruited. Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale, Internalized Stigma of Epilepsy Scale and World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale were used. Results indicate that patients with functional neurological disorder had a significantly higher mean internalized stigma score than those with epilepsy whereas patients with epilepsy had a significantly higher mean quality of life score. Additionally, male patients had a considerably higher mean quality of life score than female patients, while female patients had a significantly higher mean internalized stigma score. The present research has implications for clinical practice as well as future research.