Description: Epilepsy has significant effects on the behavior of most people who have it. In some cases the seizure activity itself is manifested as a brief change or interruption in behavior that might appear unusual to the casual observer. Evidence also suggests that epilepsy can affect behavior when seizures are not occurring. Descriptions of interictal (between-seizure) behavior in people with epilepsy have a long and controversial history. Through the ages, those with epilepsy have been thought to be either blessed with divine powers or marked by evil. Through the 19th century, many considered them insane or thought they had reduced mental and moral powers. The level of public misconception has decreased over time, but many biases about epilepsy and its resulting behavior continue to this day.