Lasting psychological effects

Hi, Thank you for posting. We understand how your friends’ comment may be bothersome to you or to others living with epilepsy. Epilepsy and seizures do not influence sexuality. Some health problems or symptoms are seen more often in people with seizures than in people without seizures. They could be related to the seizures, or they could be due to whatever is causing the epilepsy, or the medication you take may have an impact or your cognitive abilities, emotional and physical health. https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/challenges-epilepsy Treatment and how your body will react to certain medications varies for each individual. The goal of treatment with medicines should be –No Seizures and No Side Effects.However, we know that some individuals may experience too many side effects, that are very bothersome or cause other health problems. It’s important that you’re continuing to follow-up with your healthcare team to address these challenges or concerns you may have and if you experience any changes in seizure types/frequency, side effects symptoms, behaviors and moods to determine what individual treatment plan is best for you. To learn more about the medications you’re taking, please visit: : https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/treating-seizures-and-epilepsy/seizure-and-epilepsy-medicines/side-effectsIt is also important to recognize that epilepsy is more than just seizures, overall well-being and emotional health is just as important:  https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/healthy-living/emotional-health   The Wellness Institute:  epilepsy.com/wellness  ,has many helpful and easy-to-use tips &resources for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and maximizing the quality of life for you & your family.  For practical & effective strategies to enhance your well-being, learn more here:  https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/toolbox/wellness-support-toolsOne of the most important things to help you live with epilepsy is to find a support network. It can be helpful to connect with other individuals who may have similar experiences, to ask questions and to find & give support to each other. Learn more about your community support resources, here: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/challenges-epilepsy/social-concernsAdditionally, you may always contact our 24/7 Helpline, where trained information specialists are available to answer your questions, offer help, hope, support, guidance, and access to national and local resources. 1-800-332-1000, or contactus@efa.org. epilepsy.com/helpline  

First of all it seems very foolish of that friend to throw out that suggestion without being fully informed.  I'm sorry you had to listen to that.Do you feel that your sexual interest is different from the norm?  If not then try to put the idea behind you.  But there is some indication that temporal lobe epilepsy can lead one to a decreased desire for sexual activity or what Norman Geschwind described as "hypo-sexuality".  I don't think it's correct to say that seizures can lead to behavioral problems, but as I understand the neurological damage that leads to seizures can sometimes also lead to "hyper-graphia", "Hyper-religosity", and other effects.  Look up Geschwind's syndrome.  But be careful when you study this information and understand that it is only science and it can be wrong.  Also understand that the symptoms described do not apply to all who have temporal lobe epilepsy.  It's not a happy thought that epilepsy can effect one's mood or nature.  But it is a more painful experience to blame one's self for not trying hard enough when he or she fails to be different.  I have had problems with anger all my life and doctors forty years ago said it was not linked to my epilepsy.  I hated myself for failing to get along in school.  In 1990's I finally had a doctor admit that they are finding epilepsy can have impact on mood.  I don't want to use this as an excuse for my misbehavior.  I need to keep trying.  But I can be more forgiving of myself now that I know it isn't all my fault.Mike