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Kanner AM, Carrazana E, Munger Clary HM, Rabinowicz AL, Faught E. Anticipatory anxiety of seizures in epilepsy: A common, complex, and underrecognized phenomenon? Epileptic Disord 2024; 26:273-281. [PMID: 38624139 DOI: 10.1002/epd2.20224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
The diagnosis of epilepsy is associated with loss of predictability, which invariably results in the fear of when and if future seizures will occur. For a subset of patients with epilepsy (PWE), there may be a pathological persistent fear of seizure occurrence, resulting in limitations to daily activities through avoidant behaviors. Paradoxically, the research of anticipatory anxiety of seizures (AAS; also referred to as seizure phobia) has been practically nonexistent and, not surprisingly, this condition remains underrecognized by clinicians. The available data are derived from three small case series of patients followed in tertiary epilepsy centers. In this study, we review the available data on the reported clinical manifestations of AAS in PWE, and of the potential role of variables associated with it, such as personal and family psychosocial and psychiatric history and epilepsy-related variables. In addition, we review the need for the creation of screening tools to identify patients at risk of AAS and discuss potential treatment strategies, which could be considered as part of the comprehensive management for PWE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres M Kanner
- Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Enrique Carrazana
- Neurelis, Inc., San Diego, California, USA
- John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Heidi M Munger Clary
- Department of Neurology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Edward Faught
- Emory Epilepsy Program, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Hingray C, Javelot H, Lach F, Tarrada A. Anticipatory anxiety of seizures: What is the best treatment? Epilepsy Behav Rep 2024; 27:100673. [PMID: 38841320 PMCID: PMC11152698 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebr.2024.100673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Anxiety disorders affect roughly 25% of people with epilepsy (PWE), and are associated with a strong impairment of quality of life and a poorer stabilization of epilepsy. Anticipatory anxiety of seizure (AAS), defined by the persistent worry or fear to have another seizure, is highly frequent and associated with avoidant behavior. Unfortunately, AAS is often overlooked and untreated. Here, we present the case of a 35-year-old patient suffering from AAS secondary to focal epilepsy. We aimed to provide practical guidelines and tools for the screening and treatment of anxiety disorders in PWE. Regarding psychotropic medication, Sertraline or Citalopram might be good options for first-line treatment of AAS, since they are efficient against anxiety and well-tolerated in epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coraline Hingray
- EEG-monitoring Unit, Neurology Department, Hôpital Central, CHU de Nancy, 54000 Nancy, France
- Pôle Universitaire du Grand Nancy, Centre Psychothérapique de Nancy, 54000 Laxou, France
- Université de Lorraine, Faculté de Médecine, 545000 Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Herve Javelot
- Pôle Universitaire du Grand Nancy, Centre Psychothérapique de Nancy, 54000 Laxou, France
- Centre de Ressources et d’Expertise en Psychopharmacologie (CREPP) Grand Est, 141, Avenue de Strasbourg B.P. 83 67173, Brumath, France
| | - Frank Lach
- Pôle Universitaire du Grand Nancy, Centre Psychothérapique de Nancy, 54000 Laxou, France
- Centre de Ressources et d’Expertise en Psychopharmacologie (CREPP) Grand Est, 141, Avenue de Strasbourg B.P. 83 67173, Brumath, France
| | - Alexis Tarrada
- EEG-monitoring Unit, Neurology Department, Hôpital Central, CHU de Nancy, 54000 Nancy, France
- Pôle Universitaire du Grand Nancy, Centre Psychothérapique de Nancy, 54000 Laxou, France
- Université de Lorraine, Faculté de Médecine, 545000 Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
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Niu C, Li P, Du X, Zhao M, Wang H, Yang D, Wu M, Jing W. Risk factors for anxiety in patients with epilepsy: A meta-analysis. Epilepsy Behav 2024; 153:109665. [PMID: 38368787 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2024.109665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epilepsy is a very common neurological disease, and it is important to focus on both controlling seizures and alleviating the psychological problems associated with this disease.Anxiety is an important risk factor for epilepsy and seriously affects the quality of life of patients with epilepsy (PWE). However, several risk factors for anxiety in PWE are relatively controversial and understudied. This meta-analysis was performed to identify potential risk factors for anxiety in PWE with the aim of reducing the incidence of anxiety and improving the quality of life among the individuals. METHOD The PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched up to July 2023 to find eligible original English studies. All the search results were reviewed based on our inclusion and exclusion criteria. We calculated the combined odds ratios (ORs), standard mean differences (SMDs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to evaluate the effect of the included risk factors on anxiety in PWE. RESULTS Twenty-four studies involving 5,403 PWE were ultimately included. The pooled results of our meta-analysis showed that female sex (OR = 1.67; 95 % CI: 1.30,2.15; p < 0.001), unmarried/divorced/widowed (OR = 0.83; 95 % CI: 0.72,0.96; p = 0.011), low socioeconomic status (OR = 0.47; 95 % CI: 0.33,0.67; p < 0.001), education levels below high school (OR = 1.74; 95 % CI: 1.36,2.23; p < 0.001), a history of trauma (OR = 2.53; 95 % CI: 1.69,3.78; p < 0.001), monotherapy (OR = 0.49; 95 % CI: 0.39,0.62; p < 0.001), AED-induced psychiatric side effects (OR = 2.45; 95 % CI: 1.20,4.98); p = 0.014), depression (OR = 5.45 95 % CI: 2.49,11.94; p < 0.001), a history of suicide (OR = 3.56; 95 % CI: 1.72,7.38; p = 0.001), and illness-related shame (OR = 2.76; 95 % CI: 2.17,3.52; p < 0.001) were risk factors for anxiety. CONCLUSION This meta-analysis showed that female, unmarried, low socioeconomic status, education level below senior high school, a history of trauma, monotherapy, AED-induced psychiatric side effects, depression, a history of suicide, and shame were risk factors for anxiety in PWE. However, further research is needed to determine the effect of other potential risk factors on anxiety in PWE. In addition, most of the studies included in this meta-analysis were not uniform in scale, and the risk factors were not comprehensive; therefore, larger prospective studies in different countries are needed to further investigate these risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cailang Niu
- Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan 030032, China.
| | - Penghong Li
- Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan 030032, China.
| | - Xueqing Du
- Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan 030032, China.
| | - Mina Zhao
- Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan 030032, China.
| | - Haobo Wang
- Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan 030032, China.
| | - Debo Yang
- Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan 030032, China.
| | - Maolin Wu
- Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan 030032, China.
| | - Wei Jing
- Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan 030032, China.
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Yin X, Niu S, Yu Q, Xuan Y, Feng X. Fear of disease in patients with epilepsy - a network analysis. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1285744. [PMID: 38515450 PMCID: PMC10954812 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1285744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Disease-related fear among patients with epilepsy has significantly impacted their quality of life. The Disease-Related Fear Scale (D-RFS), comprising three dimensions, serves as a relatively well-established tool for assessing fear in these patients. However, certain problems potentially exist within the D-RFS's attribution of items, and its internal structure is still unclear. To establish an appropriate dimensional structure and gain deeper comprehension of its internal structure-particularly its core variables-is vital for developing more effective interventions aimed at alleviating disease-related fear among patients with epilepsy. Methods This study employed a cross-sectional survey involving 609 patients with epilepsy. All participants underwent assessment using the Chinese version of the D-RFS. We used exploratory network analysis to discover a new structure and network analysis to investigate the interrelationships among fear symptom domains. In addition to the regularized partial correlation network, we also estimated the node and bridge centrality index to identify the importance of each item within the network. Finally, it was applied to analyze the differences in network analysis outcomes among epilepsy patients with different seizure frequencies. Results The research findings indicate that nodes within the network of disease-related fear symptoms are interconnected, and there are no isolated nodes. Nodes within groups 3 and 4 present the strongest centrality. Additionally, a tight interconnection exists among fear symptoms within each group. Moreover, the frequency of epileptic episodes does not significantly impact the network structure. Conclusion In this study, a new 5-dimension structure was constructed for D-RFS, and the fear of disease in patients with epilepsy has been conceptualized through a network perspective. The goal is to identify potential targets for relevant interventions and gain insights for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Xiuqin Feng
- Nursing Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine (SAHZU), Hangzhou, China
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Redecker TM, Jeung-Maarse H, Brandt C. Panic disorder in epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav Rep 2024; 25:100646. [PMID: 38299123 PMCID: PMC10828572 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebr.2024.100646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
A 51-year-old woman showed structural epilepsy following an atypical, nontraumatic intracranial hemorrhage in the right frontal area. Despite successful seizure control with lamotrigine, she developed severe morning anxiety and panic attacks, leading to agoraphobia, social withdrawal, and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures. Neuropsychiatric and psychological assessments confirmed an anxiety disorder with no significant symptoms of depression. The patient received various psychopharmacological treatments with limited success. This case report illustrates that managing panic disorder in patients with structural epilepsy requires a comprehensive treatment approach that includes pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. Differential diagnosis and accurate treatment are crucial because of the symptom overlap between panic attacks and peri-ictal fear. Screenings instruments such as the Panic and Agoraphobia Scale (PAS) can aid in assessing anxiety-related symptoms. First-line pharmacotherapy with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, especially sertraline, or venlafaxine can effectively reduce panic attacks and can be recommended in patients with epilepsy. Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy, is the treatment of choice. Referral to a psychiatrist is indicated when symptoms are severe or refractory to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias M. Redecker
- Bielefeld University, Medical School and University Medical Center OWL, Mara Hospital, Department of Epileptology, Maraweg 21, 33617 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Haang Jeung-Maarse
- Bielefeld University, Medical School and University Medical Center OWL, Protestant Hospital of the Bethel Foundation, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Remterweg 69-71, 33617 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Christian Brandt
- Bielefeld University, Medical School and University Medical Center OWL, Mara Hospital, Department of Epileptology, Maraweg 21, 33617 Bielefeld, Germany
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Koay JM, Sabsevitz DS, Ritaccio A, Feyissa AM, Tatum W, Blackmon K. Is preserved consciousness during seizures associated with quality of life among patients with drug-resistant epilepsy? Epilepsy Behav 2024; 150:109585. [PMID: 38096662 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Drug-resistant epilepsy is associated with reduced quality of life (QoL) due to a myriad of disease-related and psychosocial factors. Although consciousness during seizures is a core feature of seizure classification, its impact on QoL in people with epilepsy (PWE) is not well understood. This study aimed to address this gap by comparing QoL between PWE with focal aware (FA) versus impaired awareness (FIA) seizures. Sixty-nine adults with epilepsy completed the Quality of Life in Epilepsy-31 (QoLIE-31) inventory as part of their pre-surgical neuropsychological evaluation (FA: n = 26, FIA: n = 43). There was no group difference in seizure burden as defined by the proportion of comorbid focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures (FA:65.4 %; FIA: 79.1 %). People with FA seizures reported lower overall QoL than people with FIA seizures; sub-scale analyses revealed that seizure worry drives this effect. There was no difference in QoL between people with motor and non-motor FA seizures. Results suggest that FA seizures are burdensome on the QoL of PWE. FA seizures may contribute to seizure worry due to preserved awareness of aversive peri-ictal phenomenon. Findings suggest that clinical efforts should continue to be made to optimize seizure control in people with breakthrough FA seizures. Prospective longitudinal monitoring of QoL in trials of consciousness-targeting neurostimulation therapy is needed to determine if QoL changes as a function of improved peri-ictal consciousness following treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Min Koay
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
| | - David S Sabsevitz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA; Department of Neurological Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | | | | | - William Tatum
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Karen Blackmon
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA; Brain and Mind Institute, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
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Wheless JW, Gidal B, Rabinowicz AL, Carrazana E. Practical Questions About Rescue Medications for Acute Treatment of Seizure Clusters in Children and Adolescents with Epilepsy in the USA: Expanding Treatment Options to Address Unmet Needs. Paediatr Drugs 2024; 26:49-57. [PMID: 37902940 PMCID: PMC10769986 DOI: 10.1007/s40272-023-00601-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a common pediatric neurological condition, affecting approximately 470,000 children in the USA and having a prevalence of 0.9% in the global population of approximately 2.6 billion children. Epilepsy is associated with disruptions in several areas of a child's life, including medical burden, quality of life, cognitive outcomes, and higher risk of mortality. Additionally, some pediatric patients may experience acute seizure emergencies such as seizure clusters (also called acute repetitive seizures), which are intermittent increases in seizure activity that differ from the patient's usual seizure pattern and may occur despite daily antiseizure drug administration. Seizure clusters increase a patient's risk for status epilepticus and emergency room visits. Benzodiazepines are the main category of drugs used as acute seizure therapies for seizure clusters. This narrative review provides a practical discussion of care for pediatric patients with epilepsy and seizure clusters exploring such topics as details about the US Food and Drug Administration-approved acute seizure therapies, safety and ease of use of these medications, benefits of seizure action plans to help ensure optimal treatment, and considerations for transitioning a pediatric patient with acute seizure therapy to adult healthcare management.
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Affiliation(s)
- James W Wheless
- Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA.
| | - Barry Gidal
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Enrique Carrazana
- John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
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Yin X, Niu S, Yu Q, Xuan Y, Chen L, Feng X. Validity and reliability of the Chinese version of the disease-related fear scale in patients with epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 147:109404. [PMID: 37683426 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to test the validity and reliability of the Chinese version of the Disease-Related Fear Scale (D-RFS) in order to understand the experience of fear in patients with epilepsy (PWE). METHODS The researchers obtained translation permission and followed international guidelines to develop a Chinese version of the D-RFS. A total of 609 PWE were recruited from a general tertiary hospital in Hangzhou, China, between January 2023 and June 2023. We evaluated the psychometric properties of the D-RFS, including content validity, reliability, test-retest reliability, internal consistency, and construct validity. RESULTS Exploratory factor analyses (EFA) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were conducted on two separate samples with a sample size of 307 and 302. The results of EFA indicated that the scale could be divided into three dimensions, which were supported by the structure in CFA. We named the three dimensions as follows: "fear of seizure consequences", "fear of poor epilepsy management", and "fear of social restrictions", respectively. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the entire scale was 0.960, with a coefficient of 0.907, 0.953, and 0.917 on three dimensions. CONCLUSION The Chinese version of the D-RFS was found to be an effective and reliable tool to measure the experience of fear in adult PWE in China. The study could lay the foundation for future investigations to explore associated factors of epilepsy-related fear and establish intervention strategies to alleviate patients' fear in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Yin
- Nursing Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine (SAHZU), No.88 Jiefang Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, 310009 Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Shan Niu
- Nursing Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine (SAHZU), No.88 Jiefang Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, 310009 Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Qun Yu
- Nursing Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine (SAHZU), No.88 Jiefang Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, 310009 Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yejing Xuan
- Nursing Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine (SAHZU), No.88 Jiefang Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, 310009 Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Lan Chen
- Nursing Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine (SAHZU), No.88 Jiefang Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, 310009 Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xiuqin Feng
- Nursing Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine (SAHZU), No.88 Jiefang Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, 310009 Zhejiang Province, China.
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Becker DA, Wheless JW, Sirven J, Tatum WO, Rabinowicz AL, Carrazana E. Treatment of Seizure Clusters in Epilepsy: A Narrative Review on Rescue Therapies. Neurol Ther 2023; 12:1439-1455. [PMID: 37341903 PMCID: PMC10444935 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-023-00515-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder in the United States, affecting approximately 1.2% of the population. Some people with epilepsy may experience seizure clusters, which are acute repetitive seizures that differ from the person's usual seizure pattern. Seizure clusters are unpredictable, are emotionally burdensome to patients and caregivers (including care partners), and require prompt treatment to prevent progression to serious outcomes, including status epilepticus and associated morbidity (e.g., lacerations, fractures due to falls) and mortality. Rescue medications for community use can be administered to terminate a seizure cluster, and benzodiazepines are the cornerstone of rescue treatment. Despite the effectiveness of benzodiazepines and the importance of a rapid treatment approach, as many as 80% of adult patients do not use rescue medication to treat seizure clusters. This narrative review provides an update on rescue medications used for treatment of seizure clusters, with an emphasis on clinical development and study programs for diazepam rectal gel, midazolam nasal spray, and diazepam nasal spray. Results from long-term clinical trials have shown that treatments for seizure clusters are effective. Intranasal benzodiazepines provide ease of use and patient and caregiver satisfaction in pediatric and adult patients. Adverse events attributed to acute rescue treatments have been characterized as mild to moderate, and no reports of respiratory depression have been attributed to treatment in long-term safety studies. The implementation of an acute seizure action plan to facilitate optimal use of rescue medications provides an opportunity for improved management of seizure clusters, allowing those affected to resume normal daily activities more quickly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle A Becker
- Department of Neurology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
| | - James W Wheless
- Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Joseph Sirven
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | | | | | - Enrique Carrazana
- Neurelis, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA
- John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
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Soncin LD, Belquaid S, McGonigal A, Giusiano B, Bartolomei F, Faure S. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), cognitive control, and perceived seizure control in patients with epilepsy: An exploratory study. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 147:109396. [PMID: 37619461 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy is often linked to various psychiatric symptoms, with anxiety, depression, and interictal dysphoric disorders being the most prevalent. Few studies have investigated posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in epilepsy, but they suggest a notable prevalence of PTSD. PTSD is known to be associated with cognitive impairments, particularly memory and executive functions. Our proposed exploratory study aims to investigate executive attentional control and emotional inhibition in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) who exhibit PTSD symptoms compared with a healthy control group. Additionally, some PWE can manage their seizures using emotional and cognitive strategies, we find it relevant to explore the connection between their regulation abilities, cognitive control performance, and PTSD symptoms. We included 54 PWE and 60 healthy participants. They completed anxiety and depression scales as well as two questionnaires assessing PTSD symptoms and a questionnaire that measured the perceived self-control of seizures. We measured executive control using an executive control task (Attention Network Test, ANT) and an emotional Go/No-Go task. We found a positive correlation between PTSD scores (PDS-5) and performance at the ANT task. In contrast, in the emotional inhibition (Go/No-Go) task, behavioral inhibition errors were positively correlated with PTSD scores, specifically with hypervigilance symptoms in PTSD+ patients. There was a positive correlation between response reaction times in an aversive condition and PTSD scores: the more severe the PTSD symptoms, the faster the PWE identified stimuli in the angry face condition of the Go/No-Go task. Regarding perceived seizure control, we found correlations between alertness and PTSD symptoms associated with seizure anticipation during the inter- and peri-ictal periods. Patients with PTSD symptoms reported better seizure control. Our findings suggest that epilepsy patients with PTSD experience cognitive changes such as heightened executive attentional control, weakened emotional inhibition, and improved seizure control perception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa-Dounia Soncin
- Université Côte d'Azur, LAPCOS, France; Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, INS, Int Neurosci Syst, Marseille, France; APHM, Timone Hospital, Epileptology and Cerebral Rhythmology, Marseille, France.
| | | | - Aileen McGonigal
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, INS, Int Neurosci Syst, Marseille, France; APHM, Timone Hospital, Epileptology and Cerebral Rhythmology, Marseille, France; Mater Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland and Mater Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Bernard Giusiano
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, INS, Int Neurosci Syst, Marseille, France; APHM, Timone Hospital, Public Health department, Marseille, France.
| | - Fabrice Bartolomei
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, INS, Int Neurosci Syst, Marseille, France; APHM, Timone Hospital, Epileptology and Cerebral Rhythmology, Marseille, France.
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Rauh R, Domschke K, Hirsch M, Schulze-Bonhage A. Listening to anxiety in persons with epilepsy. Development of an integrative assessment model based on qualitative interviews. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 145:109319. [PMID: 37406558 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The differentiation and assessment of anxiety in persons with epilepsy is the subject of current research. There is no consensus on which forms of anxiety are epilepsy-specific, what pathological significance they have, and how they should be conceptually systematized. The aim of this study was to detect formal landmarks that organize and further distinguish the clinical multitude of epilepsy-related anxiety, thereby establishing a basis on which an integrative assessment of epilepsy-specific fears can be developed. METHOD Twenty-six patients with epilepsy-related fears were recruited for qualitative interviews at the Epilepsy Center of Freiburg in Germany. Prevalent types of anxiety included both periictal and interictal anxiety. Patients reported how living with epilepsy is associated with anxiety and to what extent. After an open interview, semi-structured questions were asked concerning epilepsy-specific anxiety, referring to established concepts and items. The contents of the interviews relating to anxiety were transcribed. RESULTS The reported fears associated with epilepsy reflect the individual "pathography" of each patient. The potentially anxiety-inducing events within this pathography include the first seizure(s), especially in cases involving the amygdalae; the process of diagnostic procedures; therapy, including side effects of antiseizure medication, surgery as a therapeutic option, or a difficult physician-patient relationship; and the further course of the disease, including the fear of disease progression with brain damage, cognitive deterioration, or professional and social disintegration. The integrative assessment model derived from the pathography of the interviewed patients thus reflects the dynamics and quality of epilepsy-specific fears, especially in relation to the healthcare system, without instantly pathologizing them. It highlights that anxiety, to a variable degree, is perceived as an adequate and comprehensible emotion and might be a problem long before the diagnosis is made in the case of ictal fear. Furthermore, anxiety symptoms may (re-)emerge, consolidate, modulate, diminish, or even aggravate during the course of the disease. The integrative assessment model maps crucial events inherent to the healthcare system that may become relevant as objects of prevention, intervention, and therapy. CONCLUSION The integrative assessment model can serve as a heuristic framework from which an integrative self-report questionnaire of epilepsy-specific anxiety might be designed. On the one hand, this would help to better understand the interrelation between epilepsy and anxiety in terms of their temporal occurrence and interdependence scientifically. On the other hand, it would allow for the enhancement of individual preventive and therapeutic measures for affected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Rauh
- Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Department of Neurosurgery, Freiburg Epilepsy Center, Breisacher Str. 64, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hauptstraße 5, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Katharina Domschke
- Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hauptstraße 5, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Martin Hirsch
- Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Department of Neurosurgery, Freiburg Epilepsy Center, Breisacher Str. 64, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Schulze-Bonhage
- Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Department of Neurosurgery, Freiburg Epilepsy Center, Breisacher Str. 64, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
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12
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O'Hara K, Dewar S, Bougher G, Dean P, Misra SN, Desai J. Overcoming barriers to the management of seizure clusters: ease of use and time to administration of rescue medications. Expert Rev Neurother 2023; 23:425-432. [PMID: 37126472 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2023.2206568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients with epilepsy can experience seizure clusters (acute repetitive seizures), defined as intermittent, stereotypic episodes of frequent seizure activity that are distinct from typical seizure patterns. There are three FDA-approved rescue medications, diazepam rectal gel, midazolam nasal spray, and diazepam nasal spray, that can be administered to abort a seizure cluster in a nonmedical, community setting. Despite their effectiveness and safety, rescue medications are underutilized, and patient/caregiver experiences and perceptions of ease of use may constitute a substantial barrier to greater utilization. AREAS COVERED The literature on rescue medications for seizure clusters is reviewed, including the effectiveness and safety, with an emphasis on ease and timing of treatment and associated outcomes. Barriers to greater utilization of rescue medication and the role of seizure action plans are discussed. EXPERT OPINION Intranasal rescue medications are easier to use and can be administered more rapidly than other routes (rectal, intravenous). Importantly, rapid administration of intranasal rescue medications has been associated with shorter durations of seizure activity as compared with rectal/intravenous routes. Intranasal rescue medications are also easy to use and socially acceptable. These factors potentially remove or reduce barriers to use and optimize the management of seizure clusters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn O'Hara
- Department of Neurology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Sandra Dewar
- Department of Neurology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Genei Bougher
- Northwest Florida Clinical Research Group, LLC, Gulf Breeze, FL, USA
- Child Neurology Center of Northwest Florida, Gulf Breeze, FL, USA
| | - Patricia Dean
- Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Nicklaus Children's Hospital, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Sunita N Misra
- Clinical Development & Medical Affairs, Neurelis, Inc, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jay Desai
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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13
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Munger Clary HM, Giambarberi L, Floyd WN, Hamberger MJ. Afraid to go out: Poor quality of life with phobic anxiety in a large cross-sectional adult epilepsy center sample. Epilepsy Res 2023; 190:107092. [PMID: 36701931 PMCID: PMC10167591 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2023.107092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE People with epilepsy (PWE) have unmet healthcare needs, especially in the context of mental health. Although the current literature has established increased incidence of anxiety and depression in PWE and their contribution to poor quality of life, little is known regarding the presence and impact of specific phobia and agoraphobia. Our aim was to assess factors associated with high phobic/agoraphobic symptoms in a large, single tertiary epilepsy center sample, and to assess their impact on quality of life. METHODS In a diverse sample of 420 adults with epilepsy, cross-sectional association of demographic, epilepsy and cognitive factors with high phobic symptoms were assessed using multiple logistic regression. Symptoms were measured with the SCL-90R validated self-report subscale (T-score ≥ 60 considered high phobic symptom group). Multiple logistic regression modeling was used to assess for independent association of demographic and clinical variables with presence of high phobic symptoms, and multiple linear regression modeling was used to evaluate for independent cross-sectional associations with epilepsy-specific quality of life (QOLIE-89). RESULTS Lower education (adjusted OR 3.38), non-White race/ethnicity (adjusted OR 2.34), and generalized anxiety symptoms (adjusted OR 1.91) were independently associated with high phobic/agoraphobic symptoms, all p < 0.005. Phobic/agoraphobic symptoms were independently associated with poor quality of life as were depression symptoms, older age, and non-White race/ethnicity. Generalized anxiety did not demonstrate a significant independent association with quality of life in the multivariable model. CONCLUSION In this study sample, phobic/agoraphobic symptoms were independently associated with poor quality of life. Clinicians should consider using more global symptom screening instruments with particular attention to susceptible populations, as these impactful symptoms may be overlooked using generalized-anxiety focused screening paradigms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi M Munger Clary
- Department of Neurology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.
| | - Luciana Giambarberi
- Department of Psychiatry, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.
| | - Whitney N Floyd
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.
| | - Marla J Hamberger
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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14
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Tchao D, Lewis-Fung S, Gray H, Pardini S, Harris LR, Appel L. Describing epilepsy-related anxiety to inform the design of a virtual reality exposure therapy: Results from Phase 1 of the AnxEpiVR clinical trial. Epilepsy Behav Rep 2023; 21:100588. [PMID: 36794093 PMCID: PMC9922786 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebr.2023.100588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
People with epilepsy (PwE) are at a greater risk of comorbid anxiety, which is often related to the fear of having another seizure for safety or social reasons. While virtual reality (VR) exposure therapy (ET) has been successfully used to treat several anxiety disorders, no studies to date have investigated its use in this population. This paper discusses Phase 1 of the three-phase AnxEpiVR pilot study. In Phase 1, we aimed to explore and validate scenarios that provoke epilepsy/seizure-specific (ES) interictal anxiety and provide recommendations that lay the foundation for designing VR-ET scenarios to treat this condition in PwE. An anonymous online questionnaire (including open- and closed-ended questions) that targeted PwE and those affected by it (e.g., through a family member, friend, or as a healthcare professional) was promoted by a major epilepsy foundation in Toronto, Canada. Responses from n = 18 participants were analyzed using grounded theory and the constant comparison method. Participants described anxiety-provoking scenes, which were categorized under the following themes: location, social setting, situational, activity, physiological, and previous seizure. While scenes tied to previous seizures were typically highly personalized and idiosyncratic, public settings and social situations were commonly reported fears. Factors consistently found to increase ES-interictal anxiety included the potential for danger (physical injury or inability to get help), social factors (increased number of unfamiliar people, social pressures), and specific triggers (stress, sensory, physiological, and medication-related). We make recommendations for incorporating different combinations of anxiety-related factors to achieve a customizable selection of graded exposure scenarios suitable for VR-ET. Subsequent phases of this study will include creating a set of VR-ET hierarchies (Phase 2) and rigorously evaluating their feasibility and effectiveness (Phase 3).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hannah Gray
- Faculty of Health, Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada,Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Susanna Pardini
- OpenLab, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada,Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy,Digital Health Lab, Centre for Health and Wellbeing, Bruno Kessler Foundation, Trento, Italy
| | - Laurence R. Harris
- Faculty of Health, Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lora Appel
- OpenLab, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada,Faculty of Health, School of Health Policy and Management, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada,Michael Garron Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada,Corresponding author at: 242 Roselawn Ave, Toronto, Ontario, M4R 1E9, Canada.
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15
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Cramer JA, Faught E, Davis C, Misra SN, Carrazana E, Rabinowicz AL. Quality-of-life results in adults with epilepsy using diazepam nasal spray for seizure clusters from a long-term, open-label safety study. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 134:108811. [PMID: 35816831 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact of seizure clusters and the use of intermittent rescue therapy for clusters on the quality of life (QoL) of patients with epilepsy has not been widely studied. The present analysis assessed QoL as a secondary endpoint among adult patients with seizure clusters enrolled in a long-term, phase 3, open-label safety study (NCT02721069) of diazepam nasal spray (Valtoco®). The QoL aspect of patients in this study has not been previously published. METHODS The 12-month safety study of diazepam nasal spray enrolled patients aged 6-65 years with seizure clusters. Adults aged ≥18 years completed the Quality of Life in Epilepsy (QOLIE)-31-P at baseline (day 0) and days 30, 150, 270, and 365. This instrument includes questions about patient health and daily activities with numeric values (1-100) assigned to responses; higher scores indicate better QoL. The QOLIE-31-P includes 7 subscales: Seizure Worry, Overall QoL, Emotional Well-Being, Energy/Fatigue, Cognitive Functioning, Medication Effects, and Social Functioning; an Overall Score is calculated as a weighted composite of the 7 subscales. Comparisons were made between subgroups of patients who had frequent (≥2) and infrequent (<2) monthly dosing of diazepam nasal spray and those whose doses were administered by the patient or a care partner. This safety study was not powered to assess efficacy endpoints; descriptive statistics were calculated across time points. In addition, safety measures, including treatment-emergent adverse events, are reported. RESULTS Seventy-two adults who responded to the QOLIE-31-P were included in the analyses. Mean QOLIE-31-P scores were stable or increased across time points. The mean total scores increased from day 0 to day 365 by 5.2 among patients providing data for ≥1 time point (follow-up group) and 2.2 among patients providing data at all time points (QOLIE all-assessments subgroup). Subscale means for Seizure Worry and Social Functioning showed the greatest numeric increase from baseline. Mean QOLIE-31-P scores were similar in all subgroups. The safety profile in the follow-up group was similar to that seen in all study adults. CONCLUSIONS Adults with refractory epilepsy who were treated with diazepam nasal spray for seizure clusters maintained or improved QOLIE subscale scores across the 12-month study period. Seizure Worry and Social Functioning subscale scores increased over time, suggesting improvement in these domains for this population with intractable epilepsy. Changes among subscale results suggest differences in sensitivity to the use of an intermittent treatment. The potential to improve patient function with treatment for seizure clusters warrants further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce A Cramer
- Consultant, Houston, TX, United States; Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States.
| | - Edward Faught
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Charles Davis
- CSD Biostatistics, Inc., Oro Valley, AZ, United States
| | | | - Enrique Carrazana
- Neurelis, Inc., San Diego, CA, United States; University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI, United States
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16
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Munger Clary HM. Epilepsy-Specific Anxiety: A Potential Clue to the Seizure Onset Zone. Epilepsy Curr 2022; 22:285-287. [PMID: 36285196 PMCID: PMC9549236 DOI: 10.1177/15357597221109345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Anticipatory Anxiety of Seizures is Associated With Ictal Emotional Distress and
Amygdala Onset Seizures Tarrada A, Aron O, Vignal JP, Ertan D, Maillard L, Hingray C.
Epilepsia. 2022;63(5):1130-1140. doi:10.1111/epi.17215. Objective: Anxiety disorders are a frequent psychiatric condition in patients with epilepsy.
Anticipatory anxiety of seizures (AAS) is described as a daily persistent fear or
excessive worry of having a seizure. AAS seems to be related to “subjective ictal
anxiety” reported by patients. The current study aimed to assess the association
between objective ictal features and the presence of AAS. Methods: Ninety-one patients with drug-resistant focal epilepsy underwent a standardized
psychiatric assessment, specific for epilepsy, and presurgical long-term
video-electroencephalography (EEG) or stereo-EEG (SEEG). We compared seizure
semiology and epilepsy features of patients with AAS (n = 41) to those of patients
without AAS (n = 50). We analyzed emotional and motor behavior ictal signs as well
as ictal consciousness. We further assessed amygdala ictal involvement in seizures
recorded with SEEG (n = 28). Results: AAS was significantly associated with the presence of ictal emotional distress;
negative emotional behavior (P < .01) and negative emotion were
explicitly reported to the examiner during recording (P = .015),
regardless of the ictal level of consciousness. Among the patients recorded with
SEEG, we found a significant involvement of amygdala within the seizure onset zone
(P < .01) for patients with AAS. Significance: Higher risk of developing AAS is associated with seizures expressing negative
emotional symptoms, independently of ictal consciousness level. Persistent
interictal fear of seizures might be viewed as the consequence of a reinforcement of
the emotional networks secondary to amygdala involvement in seizures of temporal
origin. Physicians should screen for AAS not only to assess the impact of epilepsy
on daily life, but also as an interictal biomarker of ictal semiology and emotional
network involvement at seizure onset.
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17
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Rauh R, Schulze-Bonhage A, Metternich B. Assessment of Anxiety in Patients With Epilepsy: A Literature Review. Front Neurol 2022; 13:836321. [PMID: 35547374 PMCID: PMC9081800 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.836321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Approximately 20% of people with epilepsy (PWE) suffer from anxiety. These fears are quite diverse and may manifest periictally or interictally, be part of the seizure's semiology, or an expression of reactive psychological distress from seizures themselves. Our review addresses the question of what screening tools are used in clinical care and epileptological research to capture the complexity of epilepsy-specific anxieties. Method On 2021/11/11, we entered a search string in PubMed that covered our research interest as completely as possible. We also screened the bibliographies of our findings and followed PubMed's recommendations. From the assessments we found in the included studies, we extracted domains that represent the range of manifestations of anxiety, in order to compare the tools and to discuss to what extent they are suitable for assessing epilepsy-specific anxieties. Results We screened 1,621 abstracts. In total, we identified 24 different anxiety assessments. In addition to the psychiatric assessments in use, we found 7 tools that were designed to assess epilepsy-specific anxieties. The latter focus on different aspects of epilepsy-specific anxieties. In some cases, the conceptual frameworks are not sufficiently transparent or divergent. Conclusion Because a diagnosis of epilepsy can result in, or seizures may appear as, anxiety, it is important to better understand this psychological burden and address it therapeutically, if necessary. There is a need for screening tools that integrate specific points of a variety of assessments, so as to cover the broad range of epilepsy-specific fears. None of the assessments we found meets this integrative perspective. At the same time, the appropriate design of such a required tool presupposes a conceptual framework of what should be considered as epilepsy-specific anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Rauh
- Epilepsy Center, University Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Birgitta Metternich
- Epilepsy Center, University Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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18
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Tarrada A, Aron O, Vignal JP, Ertan D, Maillard L, Hingray C. Anticipatory anxiety of seizures is associated with ictal emotional distress and amygdala onset seizures. Epilepsia 2022; 63:1130-1140. [PMID: 35263805 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Anxiety disorders are a frequent psychiatric condition in patients with epilepsy. Anticipatory Anxiety of Seizures (AAS) is described as a daily persistent fear, or excessive worry of having a seizure. AAS seems to be related to "subjective ictal anxiety" reported by patient. The current study aimed to assess the association between objective ictal features and the presence of AAS. METHODS Ninety-one patients with drug-resistant focal epilepsy underwent a standardized psychiatric assessment, specific for epilepsy, and a pre-surgical long term video-EEG or stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG). We compared seizures semiology and epilepsy features of patients with AAS (n=41), to those of patients without AAS (n=50). We analyzed emotional and motor behavior ictal signs as well as ictal consciousness. We further assessed amygdala ictal involvement in seizures recorded with SEEG (n=28). RESULTS AAS was significantly associated with the presence of ictal emotional distress: negative emotional behavior (p<0.01) and negative emotion, explicitly reported to examiner during record (p=0.015), regardless of the ictal level of consciousness. Among the patients recorded with SEEG, we found a significant involvement of amygdala within the seizure onset zone (p<0.01) for patients with AAS. SIGNIFICANCE Higher risk of developing AAS is associated with seizures expressing negative emotional symptoms, independently of ictal consciousness level. Persistent interictal fear of seizures might be viewed as the consequence of a reinforcement of the emotional networks secondary to amygdala involvement in seizures of temporal origin. Physicians should screen for AAS not only to assess the impact of epilepsy on daily life, but also as an interictal biomarker of ictal semiology and emotional network involvement at seizure onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Tarrada
- Unité de monitoring video-EEG, service de neurologie, hôpital central, CHRU de Nancy, 29, avenue du Maréchal-de-Lattre-de-Tassigny, 54000, Nancy, France.,Université de Lorraine, CNRS, CRAN, UMR 7039, Nancy, France.,Pôle Universitaire du Grand Nancy, Centre Psychothérapique de Nancy, 54000, Laxou, France
| | - Olivier Aron
- Unité de monitoring video-EEG, service de neurologie, hôpital central, CHRU de Nancy, 29, avenue du Maréchal-de-Lattre-de-Tassigny, 54000, Nancy, France
| | - Jean-Pierre Vignal
- Unité de monitoring video-EEG, service de neurologie, hôpital central, CHRU de Nancy, 29, avenue du Maréchal-de-Lattre-de-Tassigny, 54000, Nancy, France
| | - Deniz Ertan
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, CRAN, UMR 7039, Nancy, France
| | - Louis Maillard
- Unité de monitoring video-EEG, service de neurologie, hôpital central, CHRU de Nancy, 29, avenue du Maréchal-de-Lattre-de-Tassigny, 54000, Nancy, France.,Université de Lorraine, CNRS, CRAN, UMR 7039, Nancy, France
| | - Coraline Hingray
- Unité de monitoring video-EEG, service de neurologie, hôpital central, CHRU de Nancy, 29, avenue du Maréchal-de-Lattre-de-Tassigny, 54000, Nancy, France.,Université de Lorraine, CNRS, CRAN, UMR 7039, Nancy, France.,Pôle Universitaire du Grand Nancy, Centre Psychothérapique de Nancy, 54000, Laxou, France
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Micoulaud-Franchi JA, Kotwas I, Arthuis M, Soncin L, Rontani P, Daquin G, Cermolacce M, Bartolomei F, McGonigal A. Screening for epilepsy-specific anxiety symptoms: French validation of the EASI. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 128:108585. [PMID: 35180578 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES (1) To translate and validate the Epilepsy Anxiety Survey Instrument (EASI) in French people with epilepsy (PWE); (2) to further investigate the screening properties of each dimension of the EASI in terms of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) anxiety disorders and of epilepsy-specific anxiety disorders, namely, anticipatory anxiety of seizures (AAS) and epileptic social phobia. METHODS Following back-translation, the French EASI was tested in PWE > 18 years using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) as gold standard for DSM anxiety disorders. We added 3 original questions to explore epilepsy-specific anxiety symptoms. The Generalized Anxiety Disorders-7 (GAD-7), Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory for Epilepsy (NDDI-E), and Adverse Events Profile were performed for external validity. Receiver operator characteristics (ROC) were analyzed. RESULTS One hundred and forty nine native French speakers with epilepsy were included. Concerning DSM disorders, around 25% had GAD, 18% Agoraphobia, and <10% Social Phobia or Panic Disorder. Concerning possible epilepsy-specific anxiety disorder, 35% had AAS and 38% had epileptic social phobia. Bi-dimensional structure of the EASI was confirmed. Internal and external validity was satisfactory. ROC analysis showed AUC of 0.83 for detection of GAD and AUC 0.79 for other DSM anxiety disorders. ROC analysis of the 8-item French brEASI showed good performance for detection of GAD (AUC 0.83) and other DSM anxiety disorders (AUC 0.76) but not for epilepsy-specific anxiety symptoms (AUC 0.63). Conversely, dimension 2 of the French EASI (=10 items) allowed good detection of epilepsy-specific anxiety symptoms (AUC 0.78); cutoff > 4, sensitivity 82.4, specificity 66.7. CONCLUSION Epilepsy-specific anxiety symptoms were prevalent, in around 60%. The French version of the EASI showed robust performance. The French 8-item brEASI allows screening for all DSM anxiety disorders with superior performance than the GAD-7, but is less suited to screening for epilepsy-specific anxiety. We propose the "Epilepsy-Specific Anxiety" (ESA) 10-item screening instrument, based on dimension 2 of the EASI, as a complementary clinical and research tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Arthur Micoulaud-Franchi
- Sleep Medicine Unit, University Hospital of Bordeaux, Place Amélie Raba-Leon, 33 076 Bordeaux, France; USR CNRS 3413 SANPSY, University Hospital of Bordeaux, 33 076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Iliana Kotwas
- APHM, Timone Hospital, Clinical Neurophysiology, Marseille, France
| | - Marie Arthuis
- APHM, Timone Hospital, Clinical Neurophysiology, Marseille, France
| | - Lisa Soncin
- APHM, Timone Hospital, Clinical Neurophysiology, Marseille, France
| | - Pauline Rontani
- APHM, Timone Hospital, Clinical Neurophysiology, Marseille, France
| | - Geraldine Daquin
- APHM, Timone Hospital, Clinical Neurophysiology, Marseille, France
| | - Michel Cermolacce
- University Department of Psychiatry, APHM, Sainte Marguerite Hospital, Marseille, France
| | - Fabrice Bartolomei
- APHM, Timone Hospital, Clinical Neurophysiology, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Univ, Inserm, INS, Institut de Neurosciences des Systèmes, Marseille, France
| | - Aileen McGonigal
- APHM, Timone Hospital, Clinical Neurophysiology, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Univ, Inserm, INS, Institut de Neurosciences des Systèmes, Marseille, France.
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20
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Weiss A, Canetti L, David SB, Reuveni I, Ekstein D. Seizure phobia: A distinct psychiatric disorder among people with epilepsy. Seizure 2021; 95:26-32. [PMID: 34974230 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2021.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Epilepsy is characterized by unpredictable attacks. Hence, people with epilepsy (PWE) may develop anxious anticipation of upcoming seizures. Seizure phobia is an anxiety disorder wherein seizure anticipatory situations trigger fear, accompanied by avoidance behaviors. Research on seizure phobia among PWE is scarce. Therefore, we aimed to describe the diagnosis of seizure phobia and its association with demographic, psychiatric and neurological variables. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study of adult PWE in a tertiary epilepsy outpatient clinic. Data were collected from semi-structured interviews, demographic questionnaires and medical records. Patients with and without seizure phobia were compared in terms of sociodemographic, psychiatric, and neurological variables. A logistic regression analysis was performed to identify variables that predicted seizure phobia. RESULTS Among 69 PWE included in the study, 19 (27.5%) were diagnosed with seizure phobia. In comparison with PWE without seizure phobia, PWE with seizure phobia were predominantly female (84.2% vs 44.2%, p = 0.005), and had more comorbid anxiety disorders (84.2% vs 34.9%, p = 0.01), past major depressive episode (MDE) (63.2% vs 20.9%, p = 0.003), and post-traumatic stress disorder (26.3% vs 7%, p = 0.05). There was a significant association between seizure phobia and comorbid psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (36.8% vs 11.6%, p = 0.034). However, no significant association was found with epilepsy-related variables. A multivariate logistic regression model indicated anxiety and a past MDE as predictive factors for seizure phobia (R2 = 0.43). CONCLUSION Seizure phobia is a distinct psychiatric entity among PWE. Further research is required to understand its etiology, risk factors, and potential interventions for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aviva Weiss
- Psychiatric Hostels affiliated with Kidum Rehabilitation Projects, Jerusalem, Israel; Alma Center for Treatment of Sexually Abused Patients, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Laura Canetti
- Department of Psychiatry, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel; Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Shiri Ben David
- Neuropsychiatry Clinic, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel; Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Inbal Reuveni
- Department of Psychiatry, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel; Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Dana Ekstein
- Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel; Department of Neurology, Ginges Center for Neurogenetics, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
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21
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Mariotti S, Valentin D, Ertan D, Maillard L, Tarrada A, Chrusciel J, Sanchez S, Schwan R, Vignal JP, Tyvaert L, El-Hage W, Hingray C. Past Trauma Is Associated With a Higher Risk of Experiencing an Epileptic Seizure as Traumatic in Patients With Pharmacoresistant Focal Epilepsy. Front Neurol 2021; 12:669411. [PMID: 34305784 PMCID: PMC8296979 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.669411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of traumatic experienced seizures (TES) and of postepileptic seizure PTSD (PS-PTSD) in patients with pharmacoresistant focal epilepsy and to explore the determining factors of TES. Methods: We conducted an observational study enrolling 107 adult refractory epilepsy patients. We used the DSM-5 criteria of traumatic events and PTSD to define TES and PS-PTSD. We assessed all traumatic life events unrelated to epilepsy, general and specific psychiatric comorbidities, and quality of life. Results: Nearly half (n = 48) of the 107 participants reported at least one TES (44.85%). Among these, one-third (n = 16) developed PS-PTSD. The TES group was more likely to experience traumatic events unrelated to epilepsy (p < 0.001), to have generalized anxiety disorder (p = 0.019), and to have specific psychiatric comorbidities [e.g., interictal dysphoric disorder (p = 0.024) or anticipatory anxiety of seizures (p = 0.005)]. They reported a severe impact of epilepsy on their life (p = 0.01). The determining factors of TES according to the multifactorial model were the experience of trauma (p = 0.008), a history of at least one psychiatric disorder (p = 0.03), and a strong tendency toward dissociation (p = 0.03). Significance: Epileptic seizures may be a traumatic experience in some patients who suffer from pharmacoresistant epilepsy and may be the source of the development of PS-PTSD. Previous trauma unrelated to epilepsy and psychiatric history are determining factors of TES. These clinical entities should be explored systematically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Mariotti
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie d'Adultes du Grand Nancy, Centre Psychothérapique de Nancy, Laxou, France.,Université de Lorraine, Faculté de Médecine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Damien Valentin
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie d'Adultes du Grand Nancy, Centre Psychothérapique de Nancy, Laxou, France.,Université de Lorraine, Faculté de Médecine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Deniz Ertan
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, CRAN, UMR 7039, Nancy, France.,Etablissement la Teppe Tain l'Hermitage, Tain-l'Hermitage, France
| | - Louis Maillard
- Université de Lorraine, Faculté de Médecine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France.,Université de Lorraine, CNRS, CRAN, UMR 7039, Nancy, France.,CHRU de Nancy, Département de Neurologie, Nancy, France
| | - Alexis Tarrada
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, CRAN, UMR 7039, Nancy, France.,CHRU de Nancy, Département de Neurologie, Nancy, France
| | - Jan Chrusciel
- Pôle Information Médicale Évaluation Performance, CH de Troyes, Troyes, France
| | - Stéphane Sanchez
- Pôle Information Médicale Évaluation Performance, CH de Troyes, Troyes, France
| | - Raymund Schwan
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie d'Adultes du Grand Nancy, Centre Psychothérapique de Nancy, Laxou, France.,Université de Lorraine, Faculté de Médecine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France.,INSERM U1114, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Jean-Pierre Vignal
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, CRAN, UMR 7039, Nancy, France.,CHRU de Nancy, Département de Neurologie, Nancy, France
| | - Louise Tyvaert
- Université de Lorraine, Faculté de Médecine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France.,Université de Lorraine, CNRS, CRAN, UMR 7039, Nancy, France.,CHRU de Nancy, Département de Neurologie, Nancy, France
| | - Wissam El-Hage
- UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, INSERM, Tours, France.,CHU de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Coraline Hingray
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie d'Adultes du Grand Nancy, Centre Psychothérapique de Nancy, Laxou, France.,Université de Lorraine, CNRS, CRAN, UMR 7039, Nancy, France.,CHRU de Nancy, Département de Neurologie, Nancy, France
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