Epilepsy, Mood, and Disability

Epilepsy is a spectrum of seizure disorders for which seizures are only one of the symptoms that can impact quality of life. Both cognitive issues and psychiatric comorbidities may occur with epilepsy, and the patient must be managed holistically to maximize quality of life. Patients with epilepsy qualify for disability due to seizures when they cannot be managed adequately to allow the patient to be gainfully employed. Moreover, the Americans with Disabilities Act protects patients with chronic seizures and their comorbid symptoms and conditions. It is important that individuals with epilepsy know the law and their rights under that law.