On the experience of stigma by persons with epilepsy in Sweden and Iran—A comparative study

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this paper is to compare the experience of stigma by persons with epilepsy in Sweden and Iran.MethodAn adapted version of the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale was completed by 130 persons with epilepsy in Tehran and 93 patients at a neurology clinic in Sweden.ResultsThe Swedish subjects reported a significantly lower level of experienced stigmatization than the Iranian patients, which we think is an effect of a more individualized medical treatment and a longer experience of health education in the Swedish society.ConclusionImproved seizure control, legislative measures and health education are major contributory factors for stigma reduction in a society as regards epilepsy and probably also other medical conditions