Recent changes in attitudes of US adults toward people with epilepsy - Results from the 2005 SummerStyles and 2013 FallStyles surveys

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's ABLE scale is a valid and reliable scale that can be used to study and to track the public's attitudes and behaviors toward persons with epilepsy. Compared with 2005, US adults' reported level of expectations for persons with epilepsy improved only in certain aspects by 2013. Adults' level of personal fear and intention for social avoidance worsened from 2005 to 2013. Because the levels of expectations and of fear and social avoidance differed by sociodemographic characteristics, continued efforts tailored to specific groups are needed. To supplement educational programs focused on improving knowledge, new communication approaches grounded in decision theory that quell risk perceptions and allay negative emotional responses are recommended.