[Social support for people with epilepsy]

People with epilepsy (PWEs) find it difficult to join society because of their seizures and because of the many kinds of problems that they face in the interictal periodo. These interictal issues include coexistent disabilities other than epilepsy, comorbidity (depression or anxiety), and psychosocial issues. PWEs show a high rate of impairment of intelligence and of, psychological, verbal, and motor functions; these impairments are classified according to the International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities, and Handicaps (ICIDH; 1980). These impairments lead to disabilities such as those with regard to communication, social functions, personal care, mobility, skillful work, and engaging in an occupation. Social ignorance and discrimination also make it difficult for PWEs to integrate in the society. Therfore, social support for PWEs is important, and doctors should be aware regarding the social resources, social welfare systems, and laws for PWEs. In this study, the current Japanese social support systems for PWEs have been briefly reviewed. For example, since 2002, PWEs can hold a driving license if they are seizure free for more than 2 years, can prove that their seizures occur only during sleep for more than 2 years and can also prove that these seizures do not impair of consciousness (simple partial seizure) nor affect their ability to drive for more than 1 year.