Epilepsy and its prejudice. Teachers' knowledge and opinions: are they a response to psychopathological phenomena?

150 teachers, 75 from a group of basic schools and 75 from a group of schools on an advanced level were asked to respond to a questionnaire consisting of 194 items in order to find out about their actual state of knowledge, opinions and prejudices against epileptics. 45 stereotype statements had to be rated for 'epilepsy', 'insanity', and 'heart disease'. A ranking order of 6 disorders--'insanity', 'depression', 'epilepsy', 'heart disease', 'amputation of a leg', and 'diabetes mellitus' had to be established. Teachers' knowledge of epilepsy proved to be somewhat diffuse but in good keeping with reality and they showed an interest in more information and research. Some of their prejudices could be attributed to old ideologies while the acquaintance with epileptics enhanced their knowledge of their real needs. Teachers' confusions went along with the controversies in medical research.