A study conducted by researchers in South Korea has shown that people with epilepsy who also have an introverted personality type are at a much greater risk of feeling stigmatised because of their condition.

The study assessed 218 newly diagnosed epilepsy patients from 12 hospitals across the country, and their perceived levels of epilepsy stigma were monitored via the Stigma Scale.

Out of the participants, 153 completed a full year’s assessment period, and the overall fall in feelings of being stigmatised, as a direct result of their condition, was from 30.7 per cent immediately following diagnosis to 17.6 per cent by the end of the study.

However, one of the key findings flagged up was that those participants with more introverted personalities, as well as higher levels of anxiety, were much more likely to feel a higher level of stigmatisation when they first received their diagnosis.

Personality type continued to be linked to the same type of feelings over the course of the year, while lower economic status was also an issue.

Participants began to feel more positively about their condition and other people’s perception of them, however, the longer they lived with epilepsy.

As part of the conclusion of the study, the team said: “Introverted personality was an important factor contributing to the development of perceived stigma at the time of diagnosis and at one year after diagnosis.

“In addition, a high level of anxiety and a low economic status were independently related to feelings of stigma at baseline and at one year after diagnosis, respectively.”

More information about the study is available in the medical journal Epilepsy & Behavior.