Last chance for epilepsy advice center: petition meets with resistance!

Last chance for epilepsy advice center: petition meets with resistance!

In Austria, around 85,000 people live with epilepsy, one of the most common neurological diseases that affects almost 1% of the population worldwide. Nevertheless, the supply situation for affected people is alarming. At the turn of the year 2025, the only nationwide epilepsy consultation, which is now considered indispensable, is threatened with closure. How 5min.at reports, the Austrian Epilepsy Interest Group together with the Austrian Society for Epilepsy Research (ÖGFE) have launched a petition to ensure the preservation of the advice center “Living with Epilepsy in the World of Work – Advice and Awareness” (LEA BuS).

Since its founding in 2013, LEA BuS has been the only contact point in Austria that is specifically concerned with advising people with epilepsy regarding their professional careers. The team consists of trained specialist advisors who offer support in the areas of career orientation, job search and maintaining a job. From 2026, however, the plight of these people could become even more acute, as advice may only be offered in Styria, while other federal states will be left without specialized offers of help.

The challenges for those affected

The challenges for people with epilepsy are diverse. In addition to the physical problems, many of them also experience stigmatization and social exclusion. According to the Epilepsy Institute, depression affects 60% of sufferers, and their suicidal thoughts are up to 25 times more common than in the general population. These mental health problems are often the result of discrimination and the associated unemployment.

In addition, studies show that purely medical care is not sufficient for a good quality of life. Rather, holistic treatment approaches are required that take medical, social and psychological aspects into account. Epilepsy counseling plays a crucial role in the support and prevention of mental illnesses such as Epilepsy Foundation emphasized.

The impact on mental health

Mental health encompasses emotional, psychological and social well-being and has a huge impact on stress management and interpersonal relationships. People with epilepsy are at higher risk of mental illness. A study shows that 30-35% of sufferers suffer from depression, while 10-25% struggle with anxiety disorders. Additionally, over 20% of children with epilepsy have clinical symptoms of ADHD.

The health concerns of caregivers supporting people with epilepsy cannot be ignored either. Around 53% of these caregivers suffer from anxiety, and 31% struggle with insomnia. This highlights the urgency of providing specialized support for both those affected and their relatives in order to ensure a comprehensive support network.

The call to support the petition for the preservation of the LEA BuS has already collected 4,045 signatures and illustrates the moderate awareness of the need for ongoing advisory services. In a country like Austria, where there was no non-medical, professionally run epilepsy counseling center until 2019, maintaining these services is of enormous importance in order to meet the needs of those affected and minimize social exclusion.