Epilepsy is not a mental illness: Busting the myths that still hold India back
Many families hide the condition due to fear of discrimination, and this delay in medical care often makes the condition worse. When people do not understand the science behind epilepsy, they rely on social beliefs that have no medical truth.
New Delhi: Epilepsy is one of the most misunderstood medical conditions in India, and the biggest myth that continues to harm patients is the belief that epilepsy is a mental illness, even though it is a neurological condition caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. This misunderstanding creates fear, stigma, and shame, and it prevents many people from seeking timely medical care, leading to avoidable suffering. Epilepsy can affect anyone, children, adults, men, and women, and in most cases, it can be completely controlled with the right treatment, which makes it important to educate the public and break the myths surrounding it. When society understands that epilepsy is treatable and not linked to mental instability, people with the condition gain the confidence to live openly, work safely, and participate fully in everyday life.
In an interaction with TV9 English, Dr. Ravi Gopal Varma, Director - Aster Global Institute of Neurosciences & Lead Consultant – Neurosurgery, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, said, "The confusion around epilepsy often begins with a lack of awareness, because seizures appear sudden, dramatic, and frightening, which makes people believe they are related to mental disorders or spiritual issues. In reality, epilepsy has clear medical causes such as genetics, head injury, infection, stroke, or brain development problems in childhood, and none of these have anything to do with mental illness. People with epilepsy usually have normal intelligence, normal emotional behaviour, and normal social abilities, but stigma forces them into isolation. Many families hide the condition due to fear of discrimination, and this delay in medical care often makes the condition worse. When people do not understand the science behind epilepsy, they rely on social beliefs that have no medical truth."
Another harmful myth is that epilepsy is contagious or caused by supernatural forces, and these beliefs push families away from hospitals and towards unscientific treatments. Epilepsy can never spread from one person to another, and it does not come from curses, possession, or bad luck. However, these ideas still exist in many parts of India, especially in rural areas where medical resources are limited. Because of these beliefs, people often keep patients away from school, work, or marriage opportunities, even though the condition can be controlled with simple medicines in most cases. These myths not only harm the patient physically by delaying treatment but also emotionally by making them feel different or inferior. When families understand that epilepsy is a medical condition like diabetes or asthma, they are more likely to seek treatment early and support the person fully.
There is also a common misconception that people with epilepsy cannot study, work, or lead a normal life. Still, global medical evidence shows that most people with epilepsy can excel in school, build successful careers, drive safely when controlled, and lead healthy relationships. Many famous scientists, leaders, and artists have lived with epilepsy, proving that the condition does not limit intelligence or ability. What limits people is society’s attitude, workplace hesitation, and lack of supportive policies. India needs stronger awareness campaigns to show that early treatment helps nearly 70% of patients achieve full seizure control, and with modern medical care, even drug-resistant cases have advanced options such as surgery and neurostimulation.
The media, schools, healthcare institutions, and community leaders all have a major role in reshaping how India views epilepsy, because awareness is the only way to remove stigma. Doctors and hospitals must continue educating families that epilepsy is neurological, treatable, and manageable with regular care. At the same time, workplaces should create inclusive policies so that people feel safe discussing their condition without fear of being judged. Public awareness campaigns must also reach young adults, as stigma deeply affects education, marriage decisions, and mental well-being.
India can move forward only when myths are replaced with science, and when people with epilepsy are treated with respect and understanding rather than fear and suspicion. Epilepsy is not a mental illness, and recognising this truth is the first step towards building a society where every person gets the right treatment, the right support, and the right to live with dignity.