01344nas a2200205   4500000000100000008004100001653001100042653001600053653001300069653001200082100001300094700001200107700001400119700001200133245008600145300001200231490000700243520087400250022001401124       2016                            d10aStigma10aFelt stigma10aEpilepsy10aElderly1 aSleeth C1 aDrake K1 aLabiner D1 aChong J00aFelt and enacted stigma in elderly persons with epilepsy: A qualitative approach.  a108-1120 v553 a<p>Stigma is a common psychological consequence of chronic diseases, including epilepsy; however, little research has been done to determine the effect of stigma on persons with epilepsy, especially the elderly. We interviewed 57 older adults with epilepsy to discover the extent and consequences of, and reasons for, epilepsy-related stigma in their lives. Felt stigma was more frequently reported than enacted stigma, with over 70% having experienced this form of stigma. Participants described ignorance and fear of the disease as the foundation of epilepsy-related stigma. The most common response to stigmatizing events was a decrease in epilepsy disclosure to family or friends. Results from this study could inform interventions designed for elderly persons with epilepsy and their support networks, as well as educational campaigns for the general public.</p>
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