Forum: Most people with epilepsy not prone to acting aggressively

Aggressive behaviors occur in many different circumstances in society, and people with epilepsy are not immune to being involved in aggressive acts.However, the article “Jail for Minds training assistant who assaulted disabled man, fracturing his rib” (Aug 16) may reinforce the impression that people with epilepsy are generally aggressive, and further aggravate the psychosocial stigma already associated with epilepsy.The false association between epilepsy and aggressive behavior is one of the most damaging stigmas cast on people with epilepsy. There is some evidence that some children and adults with epilepsy show aggressive behavior that may be related to anti-seizure medication, underlying brain abnormalities, or the confused state after certain seizures.

Children have less impulse control than adults. They translate thoughts into actions more readily. Control over social behavior and aggressive impulses is acquired late in childhood as the brain develops and matures.Some children with epilepsy, and those with other neurologic disorders, have higher rates of aggressive behaviors than other children. In part, this results from dysfunction in brain areas that control social behavior and impulses. Similar aggressive behaviours may develop in adults who have suffered brain injuries, even if they have never had a seizure.It is now believed that most people with epilepsy are no more likely than others to act aggressively.

 Source: straitstimes.com, Goh Keng Hwee