ABSTRACT

The social stigma associated with epilepsy can be a major cause of concealment of illness. This behavior is associated with many neuropsychiatric disorders. Sleep is an important factor affecting epilepsy and seizures. The aim of this study was to evaluate concealment of illness, sleep disorders, and related factors in epilepsy.

A total of 95 primary epilepsy patients who were referred to the neurology outpatient clinic were included in the study. The demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were recorded. Concealment of illness was measured using a scale consisting of 17 questions, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), consisting of 24 questions, was also administered to assess sleep disorders.

There were 44 (46.3%) female and 51 (53.7%) male epilepsy patients in the study. The mean concealment score was 57.09±8.96 and the mean PSQI score was 8.12±3.09. Sleep latency was significantly prolonged, and sleep efficiency and daytime functions were impaired. Indications of a sleep disorder were greater in young people (p<0.05; r=0.50). There was a negative correlation between age and concealment of illness (p<0.05; r=0.65) and a positive correlation between concealment of illness and a sleep disorder (p<0.05; r=0.54).

The concealment of illness had a negative effects on sleep quality in patients with epilepsy. Concealment and sleep disorders increased as age decreased; therefore, it is especially important to evaluate young epilepsy patients carefully.

Keywords: Epilepsy, concealment of disease, stigma, sleep disorder