Introduction. Epilepsy is a chronic disease raising numerous concerns and medical-social problems not only for people suffering from it but their closest environment as well. Social support plays an important role in adapting to living with epilepsy for the patients and their relatives. Aim. The aim of our study was to investigate the feeling of social support in people with epilepsy. Material and methods. The study was conducted using a diagnostic survey in 60 people with epilepsy. Material for the study was collected from people affiliated in the People with Epilepsy, the Disabled and their Friends’ Association called “Koniczynka” (“A Clover”) in Poznan and in the Anti-epilepsy Center of Great Poland. To assess and measure social support the following instruments were used: a questionnaire to gather clinical and demographic data, Social Support Scale (Weiss), Self-assessment Scale SES M. Rosenberg, a Questionnaire of the Disease Perception –brief version (Brief- IPQ). Results. The analysis showed among group members of patients with epilepsy the correlation (p < 0,05) between the feeling of social support and emotional state, epilepsy type, material situation, existing limitations, barriers. Conclusions. On the basis of the conducted study we can conclude that the bigger the feeling of support, the fewer barriers connected with the disease are perceived. Support also influences self-assessment of people with epilepsy.

Key words: social support, epilepsy.