title: She can have a seizure maybe; then we can watch: the portrayal of epilepsy in film.
abstract: The study explores the portrayal of epilepsy in 23 films identified as involving seizures. Findings indicate that seizures are used in film to drive the narrative, enhance major characterization, add to minor characters and create distraction from other action. Epilepsy is primarily portrayed as one dimension of unsympathetic, out-of-control, and feared characters. Generally, depictions are out-dated and unrelated to present day treatment of the illness or control of its symptoms. Social workers are asked to advocate for more accurate portrayals, and a list of professional and self-help groups who work in this way is provided.
authors.affiliation: Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research, Bryn Mawr College, PA 19010, USA.
authors.forename: T S
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Kerson
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Kerson
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Kerson
mesh_terms: D004827:Epilepsy / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009040:Motion Pictures; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D012640:Seizures / Q000523:psychology; D012657:Self-Help Groups