Epilepsy awareness: Is it a mental disorder?

Epilepsy is not a mental illness; most people living with epilepsy have no cognitive or psychological problem

This week I pitched tent in Nyandarua County, Olkalou constituency in bid to bring Epilepsy out of the shadows. I had an opportunity to interact with the local administrative leaders who are a link to different community groups. I was seeking to understand the psychosocial issues around Epilepsy as perceived by the community.

The people here likens Epilepsy to mental illness, and this has contributed to patients being highly stigmatized. An awareness program initiated by Afya Research Africa organization through their affiliate Ubuntu-Afya clinics seek to change the narrative of the community’s perception about Epilepsy.