Employment in people with epilepsy from the perspectives of patients, neurologists, and the general population

Objective: Finding and continuing employment are among the most important issues for patients with epilepsy (PWE). Earlier studies indicated overrepresentation of PWE in manual unskilled or semiskilled positions. Methods: The questionnaire-based study was carried out throughout Poland between February and March 2009. 995 PWE (18-65 yrs), 179 neurologists, and a representative sample of the Polish population over 15 yrs of age (1042) were included. Results: 49% of PWE were employed. Patients with epilepsy most commonly work as service and sales workers, office workers, professionals, and technicians. 56% of Poles, 25% of patients, and 28% of neurologists believed that all PWE could work. Conclusions: Almost 3/4 of PWE held non-manual positions. This contradicts the stereotype of unskilled professions being more suitable for PWE. Generally, Poles have a positive attitude towards employment of PWE, but the lack of knowledge about the condition makes them less prudent than neurologists and the PWE themselves. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.