It is common for people with epilepsy to have difficulty getting promotion at work or a job which matches their abilities, a conference in Sligo was told yesterday.
A senior clinical neuro psychologist at Beaumont Hospital, Dr Deirdre McMackin, said research showed it was not the norm for people with epilepsy to be unemployed, but there was a problem of underemployment and of getting promotion.
"Moving up within the system is the problem," she said at a conference organised by Brainwave, the Irish Epilepsy Association.
A number of people attending the conference outlined the problems they had experienced at work, and it was stressed that employers needed to be educated about epilepsy.
Mr Francis Keenan, from Co Offaly, said he had studied engineering for three years at the Institute of Technology in Athlone, but had been unable to get a job despite a very high grade in his exams and a special award from the college.
"Because I have epilepsy I need to work regular hours and I cannot do night shifts. I am told this is why they can't give me a job. How am I supposed to handle this kind of rejection?" he asked.
Dr McMackin said epilepsy had a significant psychological impact on sufferers, their carers and families. Much could be done, but it was important to seek help early.
She said the fear of a seizure hung over people's lives. Studies had shown, however, that people with epilepsy perceived a greater prejudice among non-sufferers than existed.
Dr McMackin said it was important to emphasise that many people with epilepsy had a very good quality of life. It was important to work at building self esteem.