ABSTRACT
People with epilepsy are frequently referred for psychological intervention in both neuropsychological and clinical psychology settings. Although epilepsy is a neurological disorder, the psychological effects of living with seizures can be far reaching. In order to generate an appropriate formulation on which to base a clinical intervention it is important that the psychologist understands both the nature of epilepsy and the impact it can have on psychological health. This chapter is divided into four parts. The first part presents some basic facts and figures about epilepsy and explains some of the more common terminology that people with epilepsy and neurologists may use. The second part examines the psychological impact of living with epilepsy and explores some of the developmental factors that may underlie the issues raised in psychological referrals. The third part brings together these neurological and psychological factors and presents an approach to formulation in epilepsy. A framework for assessment is presented and clinical interventions are discussed. This approach to formulation in epilepsy is illustrated with a case study in the final part of the chapter.
