Pioneering Study by LSST Luton Researchers Reveals Psychological Distress Among Caregivers of Epilepsy Patients

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A groundbreaking paper titled ‘Beyond The Seizures: Unveiling The Psychological Distress of Caregivers For Epilepsy Patients’ has been published in the prestigious Journal of Population Therapeutics & Clinical Pharmacology (JPTCP). This study, led by LSST researchers Hararia Ijaz, Lecturer and Module Leader, LSST Luton and Kiran Arooje, Lecturer in Business and Coordinator of Personal Academic Tutors, LSST Luton, offers critical insights into the emotional and psychological burdens faced by caregivers of epilepsy patients.

 

The research involved a comprehensive investigation of 100 caregivers of epilepsy patients, compared with a control group of 100 caregivers from the general community. Utilising rigorous methodologies such as independent sample t-tests and Pearson correlation tests, the study found a significant correlation between the severity of epilepsy and heightened levels of depression and anxiety among caregivers.

‘Epilepsy poses unique challenges not only for patients but also for their caregivers, who often face immense psychological strain,’ Hararia Ijaz, Lecturer and Module Leader at  LSST Luton, noted. ‘Our study reveals that caregivers frequently experience high levels of depression and anxiety due to the unpredictable nature of seizures and the constant need for vigilance. The emotional toll is compounded by the social stigma associated with epilepsy, further exacerbating the mental health struggles of caregivers.’

The findings highlight the profound impact of caregiving on caregivers’ overall well-being and quality of life. Persistent stress, physical fatigue, and emotional burden significantly diminish their ability to enjoy life and engage in social activities. This decline in quality of life affects caregivers’ health and their capacity to provide effective care, creating a vicious cycle of diminishing returns in both personal health and caregiving efficacy.

 

 

To address these challenges, the study emphasises the necessity of comprehensive support systems for caregivers, including community support, medical assistance, and targeted interventions such as cognitive-behavioural therapies (CBT). Educational programs to enhance caregiver knowledge about epilepsy can reduce fear and increase confidence in managing seizures, thereby alleviating caregiver burden.

‘Our research aims to inform the development of policies and interventions that not only support epilepsy patients but also prioritise their caregivers’ mental health and well-being,’ said Kiran Arooje, Lecturer in Business and Coordinator of Personal Academic Tutors, LSST Luton. ‘By fostering a supportive environment, we can enhance the quality of life for both patients and caregivers, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes and a more stable and peaceful socio-economic landscape.’

 

Impact on LSST Students

‘The study has significant implications for LSST healthcare students, many of whom may be balancing academic responsibilities with caregiving duties. Recognising the psychological strain these students may experience can even guide the development of more effective support structures within the academic community,’ added Mr Ali Jafar Zaidi, LSST Deputy CEO.

This study serves as a crucial step in understanding the complex dynamics of caregiving for epilepsy patients and highlights the broader societal benefits of addressing caregiver distress. For LSST students, recognising these challenges can lead to better support structures, ultimately enhancing their well-being and academic success.

Read the full paper here: https://www.jptcp.com/index.php/jptcp/article/view/6060

For more information, please contact the author, Kunal Chan Mehta, at kunal.mehta@lsst.ac.

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