Work beliefs and work status in epilepsy

The goal of this study was to determine differences in work beliefs between people with epilepsy who work and those who do not work. One hundred thirteen subjects (58 females, 55 males) 41.56 ± 11.42 years of age and with a seizure duration of 22.88 ± 12.96 years (means ± SD) were assessed. Forty percent worked full-time, 10% worked part-time, and 50% did not work. Twelve of the fifty-six who worked had more than one seizure per month, compared with 29 of 57 who did not work. There were significant differences between the working and nonworking groups: The nonworking group believed that (1) they had to work to be “normal,” (2) they did not have enough education, (3) not having a job was the only barrier to independent living, (4) their families feared work injuries, (5) working represented a risk of injury, (6) they would hurt others if they had a seizure at work, (7) their families did not want them to work, and (8) seizures would negatively affect job performance. Work beliefs are important factors contributing to work status.