Epilepsy A Study of Six Children, Aged Eight to Fifteen Who Suffered Parental Overprotection and Rejection Because of Their Epilepsy, and Who Were Known to the New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1957–1961
Abstract
Epilepsy!! Few people realize the magnitude of the public problem presented by epilepsy, and the convulsive disorders. To many persons, it carried the stigma of an illness possessed by demons or a symbol of control by a god or goddess. The name itself brings to mind the inmates of custodial institutions whose lives have been wrecked by the misfortune of the disease. To others, it means a disgrace in the family pride that is to be hidden away from the eyes of the world. For more than other diseases, epilepsy must be endured in secret or suffered in silence. Epilepsy is thought of as something to be ashamed of, to keep from public knowledge. Down through the centuries it has remained with us still the subject of fear and superstitious beliefs. Ignorance, misunderstanding and prejudice regarding the dreadful epilepsy are beginning to lessen. Although some progress has been made toward its treatment, we still can see that the individual suffering from epilepsy is often subject to pity and social ostracism.
Subject Area
Social work|Social research|Social studies education|Mental health
Recommended Citation
Cortes, Sarah, "Epilepsy A Study of Six Children, Aged Eight to Fifteen Who Suffered Parental Overprotection and Rejection Because of Their Epilepsy, and Who Were Known to the New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1957–1961" (1962). ETD Collection for Fordham University. AAI30724979.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/dissertations/AAI30724979
