Psychologic vulnerability in epileptic patients.

The psychologic vulnerability of the epileptic patient over the course of the disease pertains largely to the issues of control and competence. These difficulties are especially apparent during late adolescence and early adulthood. If there is no successful sphere of operation outside the family, a malignant intrafamilial adaptation can occur that is severely limiting for both the patient and his or her family. This paper suggests ways to cope with these psychologic problems.