RESPOND TO Q&A

Co-morbidity can be seen as the co-occurrence of two conditions with a greater frequency than found in the general population. People who are diagnosed with epilepsy almost always have comorbid conditions including medical, psychiatric, or cognitive conditions. Examples of these conditions are gastrointestinal and digestive disorders, diabetes, obesity, autism, learning disabilities and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The causal model to explain the co-occurrence stem from the ideologies. One, epilepsy causes the comorbid condition, second, the comorbid condition leads to epilepsy. Lastly, biological or environmental factors. Some societal factors that relate to epilepsy and the comorbidities in the aspect that individuals with epilepsy are less likely to get into serious relationships, have families, and enter into a marriage. Individuals with epilepsy and comorbid conditions are likely to not have a very big social life due to insecurities they have. Lower employment rates and independence are also a factor in an epilepsy diagnosis. Before seizures are regulated, these individuals are limited to things they can do such as driving, swimming and even attending certain events like festivals and concerts. A majority of people also don’t like to risk having a seizure and putting their diagnosis onto other people, so their group of people they surround themselves with is minimal.