てんかん患者へのソーシャルグループワーク : 青年期患者への認知-行動療法の導入

抄録

Epilepsy, one of the most misunderstood and stigmatizing disorders, has a significant impact on people's psychological development. The impact seems greater especially when they are adolescents or young adults - since that is the most difficult time to be different. Being different causes a lot of emotional stress, such as fear, anxiety, shame, and depression, undermining many areas of their social lives. In addition, social stigma and discrimination clearly restrict their equal social rights and opportunities. Despite these psychosocial problems, very little attention has been paid to this population in the social work literature. In this study, cognitive-behavioral group therapy has been practiced for the period of one year as an effective intervention for five young adult epilepsy patients who have had several emotional stresses. Besides a general supportive group-sharing style and social skills training, use of cognitive therapy is highly emphasized in order to teach these members how to manage their emotional stress. Specific techniques and worker's roles are discussed in each stage with some examples. From this study, I believe that the cognitive-behavioral group therapy for this population has been effective and helps them deal with their emotional stress and become more self-sufficient in the society.