IMPACT OF THE DISEASE ON THE PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING OF PATIENTS WITH EPILEPSY

Abstract

The article presents a comprehensive study of the psychological well-being of patients with epilepsy based on empirical data. The study of psychological well-being is extremely relevant both at the individual and societal levels. In the modern world, there is an increase in psycho-emotional burden caused by chronic stress, high demands, information overload, as well as economic, social and political uncertainty. All of this creates an urgent need for a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of formation and maintenance of psychological well-being. Individuals with a high level of well-being are usually characterised by a higher level of life satisfaction, inner harmony, and motivation for self-realisation, which positively affects their functioning in personal, professional, and social spheres. Thus, ensuring and maintaining psychological well-being is an important condition for the sustainable development of both individuals and society as a whole. Psychological well-being exists primarily in the mind of the individual and is a form of subjective reality. This means that it cannot be objectively measured by external criteria, as it is an internal experience that is formed through personal interpretation and assessment of one’s own life. The subjectivity of psychological well-being is manifested, in particular, in the emotional component – a combination of positive and negative emotions. It is important to understand that well-being does not imply the constant absence of negative experiences. On the contrary, the ability to constructively experience and integrate emotions such as sadness, disappointment or fear indicates a high level of psychological maturity and adaptability. This approach is especially important when working with people with chronic illnesses, including epilepsy. In such cases, psychological well-being is not limited to the absence of symptoms or limitations, but rather to the person’s ability to accept their condition, adapt to it, and maintain their inner integrity and satisfaction with life despite the difficulties they face. The study used the author’s questionnaire and psychodiagnostic assessment tools, in particular, the SF-36 short form and the Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI). The relationships between physical, social and psychological well-being indicators and a number of clinical characteristics were analysed: frequency of epileptic seizures, duration of the disease, age and socio-demographic indicators. The methods of statistical data processing were used. The results obtained indicate a significant influence of clinical and sociodemographic factors on the subjective perception of quality of life and emphasise the need to individualise psychological support and rehabilitation programmes.