[Comparison of 3 forms of psychosocial rehabilitation in patients with epilepsy].

Abstract

The submitted paper is based on experience 1. with enlisting epileptic patients in programmes for neurotic patients during hospitalization (1968 - 1983, a total of 20 patients), 2. an ambulatory psychotherapeutic group for epileptic patients only (period 1983 - 1989, a total of 41 subjects, i.e. 39 patients and two mothers of patients) and 3. a club for epileptic patients (1990 - 1993, a total of 56 subjects, incl. 44 patients and relatives, partners and friends). The majority of patients are not only treated at the neurological department but are also psychiatric patients. The author mentions also excursions made with patients who attend the club and on two arts exhibitions of work made by the patients. He presents also results and discusses positive and negative of these tested forms of psychosocial work. The advantage of the programme for neuroses is the relatively intensive action. The advantage of the ambulatory group is the possibility to discuss in detail specific problems of patients with epilepsy. The club is acceptable for a much wider circle of patients than the other two forms. The author recommends a combination of the described three procedure and the application of the widest possible range of other rehabilitation methods.