Reflections on the stigmatization of epilepsy through history

Authors

  • Ximena Palacios-Espinosa Universidad del Rosario, Colombia
  • Juan José Arévalo-Quinchanegua Universidad del Rosario, Colombia
  • Leonardo Palacios-Sánchez Universidad del Rosario, Colombia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14482/sun.40.03.654.456

Keywords:

Epilepsy, history, social stigma, stereotyping, social discrimination.

Abstract

Epilepsy is a neurological disease, common in the general population, in different age groups, described since ancient times. From ancient civilizations to the contemporary age, this disease has had multiple explanations that include magical-religious interpretations, specifically focusing on demonological nature, to neurophysiological explanations, which recognized the neurological origin of epilepsy. Motor, behavioral, and psychological disturbances are typical in an epilepsy course, giving rise to the stigmatization of this disease and those who develop it. This stigmatization has triggered discrimination and social isolation, reinforcing segregation of these people. The aim of this review was to describe the stigmatization of epilepsy throughout history. The reflection is developed around the neuropsychiatric manifestations of epilepsy, the processes of stigma (enact stigma and felt or internalized stigma), and stigmatization, going through the past and present of these. The results of this reflection confirm processes of social discrimination against people diagnosed with epilepsy has gone through history and are still maintained in the 21st century. It concludes with a reflection on the relevance of overcoming stereotypes and prejudices and promoting acceptance, social inclusion, and respect for people with epilepsy. 

Author Biographies

Ximena Palacios-Espinosa, Universidad del Rosario, Colombia

Profesora titular de Psicología, integrante del Grupo de Investigación Individuo, Familia y Sociedad. Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario (Colombia).  ximena.palacios@urosario.edu.co. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9503-139X 

Juan José Arévalo-Quinchanegua, Universidad del Rosario, Colombia

Asistente de investigación, línea de Salud Mental, Observatorio de Jóvenes, Universidad del Rosario (Colombia). juanj.arevalo@urosario.edu.co. https://orcid.org/0009-0000-9085-244X

Leonardo Palacios-Sánchez, Universidad del Rosario, Colombia

Profesor titular y emérito de Neurología, integrante del Grupo de Investigación en Neurociencia Neuros y del Centro de Investigación en Neurociencia, Neurovitae.  Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario (Colombia).  leonardo.palacios@urosario.edu.co. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6792-5855 

Published

2024-12-17

How to Cite

Palacios-Espinosa, X., Arévalo-Quinchanegua, J. J., & Palacios-Sánchez, L. . (2024). Reflections on the stigmatization of epilepsy through history. Salud Uninorte, 40(3), 1093–1112. https://doi.org/10.14482/sun.40.03.654.456

Issue

Section

Reflexion Article

Most read articles by the same author(s)