Study Reveals Spirituality High Among People with Epilepsy

Posted: December 16, 2002

Spirituality, but not participation in organized religion, called higher in people with epilepsy

Although most people with epilepsy do not consider themselves more religious or spiritual than other people, a recent study suggests otherwise.

The study, reported at the American Neurological Association meeting in October, was conducted by Dr. Thomas Hayton and associates, of the New York University Hospital in New York. An abstract of the study appeared in the September 1, 2002 supplement to the Annals of Neurology.

Dr. Hayton and his research team gave a standard questionnaire on religious belief and spirituality to 91 people with epilepsy. They then compared the results to standard norms for the rest of the population.

The team reports that this group of people with epilepsy were more religious and spiritual than the general population.

They scored higher than others in terms of daily, personal spiritual experiences (feeling the presence of God, love, deep inner peace, and the beauty of creation). They also scored higher in measures of the strength of their spiritual beliefs and values.

On the other hand, they were less likely than the general population to attend religious services or to participate in activities of congregations or in private prayer.