Andrea Ryan at a careers fair for Hope London epilepsy charity.
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New research by University College London (UCL) led scientists says a new psychological treatment could “transform” the mental health of young people diagnosed with epilepsy.
Listen to this article powered by AI
According to UCL’s report mental health problems are 60% more common in children and young people with brain conditions, such as epilepsy.
What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a common long term neurological condition that affects the brain and causes frequent seizures.
Seizures are bursts of electrical activity in the brain that temporarily affect how it works. They can affect people in different ways depending on which part of the brain is involved.
According to the NHS, epilepsy can start at any age but usually starts either in childhood or in people over 60.
UCL’s Report
The new treatment named Mental Health Intervention for Children with Epilepsy (MICE) uses a modular approach that allows multiple mental health conditions to be treated at once.
Dr Sophie Bennett who conducted the research says “integrating the care can help children with epilepsy and their families more effectively and efficiently” and the change is equivalent to a decrease of 40% in the likelihood of having a psychiatric disorder.
Epilepsy is still “really stigmatised” according to London charity
Hope London’s Vice Chair Andrea Ryan says the study has been “pretty groundbreaking” and “it’s going to be huge for young people and children.” The paediatric epilepsy charity, based in Whetstone, North London was founded in 2012.
Andrea’s son was also diagnosed with epilepsy when he was 11.
She believes that epilepsy is still “really stigmatised” and “really misunderstood by the general public.”
Andrea Ryan, Vice Chair of epileptic charity Hope London. CREDIT: ANDREA RYAN
“It’s not just about the seizures. People think that a seizure looks like one thing. But there’s over 40 different types of seizures, some of them can be very subtle, so a lot of them can be missed. But they can be quite damaging and repeated seizures are really dangerous for a young person’s brain development, as well as their confidence.”
Our charity does “a lot of work to raise awareness and help the public to realise that people living with epilepsy can live very fulfilled and successful lives and they shouldn’t be limited by their epilepsy.”
Data from London Epilepsy Standards says about 2,000 people aged 18 and under have epilepsy in London, with the average primary school in London having approximately 1 to 2 pupils with epilepsy and the average secondary school having 4 to 5 pupils.
“Students laughed when I was having a seizure”
Sari Huttunen was diagnosed with epilepsy when she was just 8 years old.
“When I was growing up in the 70s other students laughed when I was having a seizure and my teachers didn’t know what to do.
“I remember having seizures and paramedics telling me after that somebody had stuffed something in my mouth. I don’t need to know that. People have the misconception that they need to put something in your mouth so that you don’t swallow your tongue.
“In London, I have always received help and assistance while I’ve had a seizure, whether it’s between two tube doors or downward escalators. But I’ve heard so many horror stories when people haven’t helped or even robbed people while they were convulsing there.”
Andrea also said that her son was lucky living in London as “we’ve got some of the best [hospitals] in the world.” But said of London “people get on the tube and they just ignore you. So I think it’s quite an isolating place to live for people living with epilepsy, and particularly young people.”
Purple Day takes place on 26th March 2024, to raise awareness for Epilepsy.
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HeadlineNew research by UCL described as ‘groundbreaking’ by London epileptic charity
Short HeadlineUCL research ‘groundbreaking’ according to London epileptic charity
StandfirstThe new treatment could reduce mental health problems for epileptic children by up to 40%.
New research by University College London (UCL) led scientists says a new psychological treatment could “transform” the mental health of young people diagnosed with epilepsy.
Listen to this article powered by AI
According to UCL’s report mental health problems are 60% more common in children and young people with brain conditions, such as epilepsy.
What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a common long term neurological condition that affects the brain and causes frequent seizures.
Seizures are bursts of electrical activity in the brain that temporarily affect how it works. They can affect people in different ways depending on which part of the brain is involved.
According to the NHS, epilepsy can start at any age but usually starts either in childhood or in people over 60.
UCL’s Report
The new treatment named Mental Health Intervention for Children with Epilepsy (MICE) uses a modular approach that allows multiple mental health conditions to be treated at once.
Dr Sophie Bennett who conducted the research says “integrating the care can help children with epilepsy and their families more effectively and efficiently” and the change is equivalent to a decrease of 40% in the likelihood of having a psychiatric disorder.
Epilepsy is still “really stigmatised” according to London charity
Hope London’s Vice Chair Andrea Ryan says the study has been “pretty groundbreaking” and “it’s going to be huge for young people and children.” The paediatric epilepsy charity, based in Whetstone, North London was founded in 2012.
Andrea’s son was also diagnosed with epilepsy when he was 11.
She believes that epilepsy is still “really stigmatised” and “really misunderstood by the general public.”
Andrea Ryan, Vice Chair of epileptic charity Hope London. CREDIT: ANDREA RYAN
“It’s not just about the seizures. People think that a seizure looks like one thing. But there’s over 40 different types of seizures, some of them can be very subtle, so a lot of them can be missed. But they can be quite damaging and repeated seizures are really dangerous for a young person’s brain development, as well as their confidence.”
Our charity does “a lot of work to raise awareness and help the public to realise that people living with epilepsy can live very fulfilled and successful lives and they shouldn’t be limited by their epilepsy.”
Data from London Epilepsy Standards says about 2,000 people aged 18 and under have epilepsy in London, with the average primary school in London having approximately 1 to 2 pupils with epilepsy and the average secondary school having 4 to 5 pupils.
“Students laughed when I was having a seizure”
Sari Huttunen was diagnosed with epilepsy when she was just 8 years old.
“When I was growing up in the 70s other students laughed when I was having a seizure and my teachers didn’t know what to do.
“I remember having seizures and paramedics telling me after that somebody had stuffed something in my mouth. I don’t need to know that. People have the misconception that they need to put something in your mouth so that you don’t swallow your tongue.
“In London, I have always received help and assistance while I’ve had a seizure, whether it’s between two tube doors or downward escalators. But I’ve heard so many horror stories when people haven’t helped or even robbed people while they were convulsing there.”
Andrea also said that her son was lucky living in London as “we’ve got some of the best [hospitals] in the world.” But said of London “people get on the tube and they just ignore you. So I think it’s quite an isolating place to live for people living with epilepsy, and particularly young people.”
Purple Day takes place on 26th March 2024, to raise awareness for Epilepsy.
