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McLoughlin C, McWhirter L, Pisegna K, Tijssen MAJ, Tak LM, Carson A, Stone J. Stigma in functional neurological disorder (FND) - A systematic review. Clin Psychol Rev 2024; 112:102460. [PMID: 38905960 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2024.102460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate stigma and Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) regarding: 1) prevalence and associated factors, 2) the nature and context of stigma in FND, and 3) stigma-reduction interventions. METHODS We searched four relevant databases from inception to December 2023, using search terms relevant to FND and stigma themes. We employed the method of synthesis by "aggregation and configuration" to synthesise and analyse the data into emergent themes. RESULTS We found 127 studies, spanning 148 countries, involving 18,886 participants. Of these, 4889 were patients, 13,123 were healthcare professionals, and 526 were caregivers. Quantitatively, stigma has been mainly studied in patients with functional seizures, and was higher than patients with epilepsy in three studies. Stigma experienced by patients is associated with poorer quality of life and caregiver burden. We found 10 themes and 29 subthemes revealing stigma as a systemic process, with intrapersonal, interpersonal and structural aspects. Few studies examined the perspective of caregivers, the public or online community. We identified six anti-stigma interventions. CONCLUSION Stigma in FND is a layered process, and affects patient quality of life and provision of care. Stigma needs to be addressed from the top structures, at governmental level, so that appropriate care pathways can be created, giving patients with FND parity of esteem with other medical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caoimhe McLoughlin
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
| | - Laura McWhirter
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | | | - Marina A J Tijssen
- UMCG Expertise Centre Movement Disorders Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Lineke M Tak
- Dimence Alkura, Specialist center Persistent Somatic Symptoms, Nico Bolkensteinlaan 65, 7416 SE Deventer, the Netherlands
| | - Alan Carson
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Jon Stone
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Karterud HN, Otto Nakken K, Lossius MI, Tschamper M, Ingebrigtesen T, Henning O. Young people diagnosed with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) years ago - How are they now? Epilepsy Behav 2024; 157:109874. [PMID: 38851124 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2024.109874] [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: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Up to 30% of patients referred to epilepsy centres for drug-resistant epilepsy turn out to have psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES). Patients with PNES are a very heterogeneous population with large differences in regard to underlying causes, seizures severity, and impact on quality of life. There is limited knowledge regarding the long-term seizure prognosis of youth with PNES and its influential factors. METHODS We have performed a retrospective study on adolescents diagnosed with PNES who were receiving inpatient care at our hospital for 2-4 weeks in the period of 2012-2020. They all attended psychoeducational courses to educate them about PNES, coping with the seizures, and possible contributors to seizure susceptibility. There were 258 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. We contacted them by text messages, through which they received brief information about the study and an invitation to participate. There were 62 patients (24 %) who agreed and participated in structured telephone interviews. We excluded 10 patients due to concomitant epilepsy. The mean age of the remaining 52 participants was 20.9 years (16-28 years), and 45 (87 %) were women. RESULTS After a mean of 4.7 years (2-9 years) since discharge from our hospital, 28 patients (54 %) had been free of seizures in the last 6 months. There were 16 patients (31 %) who had better situations in regard to seizures but were not completely seizure free, while 8 patients (15 %) were either unchanged (3 patients) or worse (5 patients). There were 39 patients (75 %) who had received conversation therapy, and 37 patients (71 %) had been treated by a psychologist or psychiatrist. There were 10 patients (19 %) who had dropped out of school or work, and the percentage increased with age. There were 42 patients (80 %) who perceived their health as good or very good. CONCLUSION Patients had a relatively favourable seizure prognosis as 54% were free of seizures and 31% had a better seizure situation, at the time of this study. However, the fact that 19% had dropped out of school or work was worrying. Young age and satisfaction with treatment were associated with being employed or receiving education. Satisfaction with perceived treatment was significantly associated with personal experience of good health. This emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis, adapted interventional measures, and long-term follow-up by healthcare for young people with PNES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilde Nordahl Karterud
- National Centre for Epilepsy, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Full Member of EpiCARE European Reference Network for Rare and Complex epilepsy. Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Karl Otto Nakken
- National Centre for Epilepsy, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Full Member of EpiCARE European Reference Network for Rare and Complex epilepsy. Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Morten I Lossius
- National Centre for Epilepsy, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Full Member of EpiCARE European Reference Network for Rare and Complex epilepsy. Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Merete Tschamper
- National Centre for Epilepsy, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Full Member of EpiCARE European Reference Network for Rare and Complex epilepsy. Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trine Ingebrigtesen
- National Centre for Epilepsy, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Full Member of EpiCARE European Reference Network for Rare and Complex epilepsy. Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Oliver Henning
- National Centre for Epilepsy, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Full Member of EpiCARE European Reference Network for Rare and Complex epilepsy. Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Watson C, Crichlow Q, Valaiyapathi B, Szaflarski JP, Fobian AD. The effects of racial and socioeconomic disparities on time to diagnosis and treatment of pediatric functional seizures in the United States. Seizure 2024; 119:58-62. [PMID: 38796952 PMCID: PMC11229518 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2024.05.009] [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: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The present study sought to assess the effects of racial and socioeconomic status in the United States on time to treatment and diagnosis of pediatric functional seizures (FS). METHODS Eighty adolescents and their parent/guardian completed a demographics questionnaire and reported date of FS onset, diagnosis, and treatment. Paired samples t-tests compared time between FS onset and diagnosis, onset and treatment, and diagnosis and treatment based on race (White vs racial minority), annual household income (≤$79,999 vs ≥$80,000), maternal and paternal education (≤Associate's Degree vs Bachelor's Degree), and combined parental education (≤Post-graduate training vs Graduate degree). RESULTS Adolescents with lower annual household income began treatment >6 months later than adolescents with greater annual household income (p = 0.049). Adolescents with lower maternal and paternal education (≤Associate's Degree vs Bachelor's Degree) began treatment >4 and ∼8.5 months later than adolescents with greater maternal and paternal education (p = 0.04; p = 0.03), respectively. Adolescents with lower maternal education also received a diagnosis >5 months later (p = 0.03). Adolescents without a mother or father with a graduate degree received a diagnosis and began treatment∼3 and >11 months later (p = 0.03; p = 0.01) than adolescents whose mother or father received a graduate degree, respectively. No racial differences were found. CONCLUSIONS Adolescents with lower annual household income and/or parental education experienced increased duration between FS onset and treatment and diagnosis. Research is needed to clarify the mechanisms underlying this relationship, and action is needed to reduce these disparities given FS duration is associated with poorer prognosis and greater effects on the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Watson
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, United States
| | - Queenisha Crichlow
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, United States
| | - Badhma Valaiyapathi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 2nd Ave S, SC 1004, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
| | - Jerzy P Szaflarski
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, United States
| | - Aaron D Fobian
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 2nd Ave S, SC 1004, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States.
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van Dijl TL, Videler AC, Aben HP, Kop WJ. Anger regulation in patients with functional neurological disorder: A systematic review. Gen Hosp Psychiatry 2024; 88:30-47. [PMID: 38458028 DOI: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2024.02.014] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Functional neurological disorder (FND) has been associated with predisposing psychological factors, including dysregulation of anger-related processes. This paper provides a systematic review of the literature on anger regulation in FND. We evaluated anger-related research on patient self-report, observational, and laboratory based measures in FND. The review also addresses adverse childhood experiences and their relation with anger regulation, and the effects of therapies targeting anger regulation in FND. METHODS MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO were searched for both quantitative and qualitative research, published in a peer-reviewed journal with a sample size of at least 5 (registered under Prospero protocol CRD42022314340). RESULTS A total of 2200 articles were identified. After screening, 54 studies were included in this review (k = 20 questionnaire-based studies, k = 12 laboratory studies, k = 21 using other methods, and k = 1 used both questionnaires and other methods) representing data of 2502 patients with FND. Questionnaire-based studies indicated elevated levels of state anger and trait hostility in patients with FND. Laboratory studies showed a higher tendency to avoid social threat cues, attentional bias towards angry faces, difficulties reliving anger, and preoccupation with frustrating barriers among FND patients versus controls. No specific childhood experiences were identified related to anger regulation in FND, and too few small and uncontrolled studies were available (k = 2) to assess the effects of anger-related interventions in FND. The overall quality of the studies was fair (k = 31) to poor (k = 18). Five studies (k = 5) were rated as having a good quality. CONCLUSIONS This review suggests that patients with FND have maladaptive anger regulation compared to individuals without FND. The findings also highlight the need for further research on the prevalence and consequences of anger-related processes in the development, diagnosis and treatment of FND.
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Affiliation(s)
- T L van Dijl
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Center for Research on Psychological Disorders and Somatic Diseases, Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands; Clinical Centre of Excellence for Body, Mind, and Health, GGz Breburg, Tilburg, the Netherlands; Department Tranzo, Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, Elisabeth-TweeSteden Hospital, Tilburg, the Netherlands; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, De Hoop ggz, Dordrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - A C Videler
- Clinical Centre of Excellence for Body, Mind, and Health, GGz Breburg, Tilburg, the Netherlands; Department Tranzo, Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands
| | - H P Aben
- Department of Neurology, Elisabeth-TweeSteden Hospital, Tilburg, the Netherlands
| | - W J Kop
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Center for Research on Psychological Disorders and Somatic Diseases, Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands; Department Tranzo, Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands
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Tanner AL, von Gaudecker JR, Crowder SJ, Buelow JM, Miller WR. Adolescents' qualitative expressions of functional seizure illness representation. J Adolesc 2024; 96:370-380. [PMID: 38053309 PMCID: PMC10872507 DOI: 10.1002/jad.12281] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adolescents with functional (nonepileptic) seizures experience challenges self-managing this mental health condition, especially at school where adolescents experience stress, bullying, accusations of faking seizures, and stigma. According to the Common Sense Model of Self-Regulation, adolescents' self-management decisions and outcomes may be shaped by their functional seizure illness representation (perceptions or mental depictions formed in response to a health threat). However, current research has only explored adults' functional seizure illness representation; little is known about adolescents. The aim of this study was to explore adolescents' expressions of illness representation characteristics (identity, cause, consequence, controllability/curability, and timeline) when describing their experience attending school with functional seizures. METHODS We analyzed qualitative data from 10 adolescents (age 12-19 years, 100% female) from the United States with functional seizures. Data collection occurred in 2019 via semistructured interviews about adolescents' school experiences. The theme of illness representation emerged without prompting adolescents to discuss illness representation or its characteristics. This study involved inductive analyses and magnitude coding of adolescents' unsolicited expressions of illness representation. RESULTS All five characteristics of illness representation were mentioned by adolescents; however, not all characteristics were mentioned by all adolescents. Adolescents' expressions of illness representation characteristics resulted in the following descriptive themes: clashing labels and mind-body façade for identity, stress for cause, gains and losses for consequence, control/lack of control for controllability/curability, and no end of seizures in sight for timeline. CONCLUSIONS Adolescents' expressions of illness representation reveal perceptions considered "threatening" within the Common Sense Model, especially those expressing lack of controllability/curability and condition timelines with no end in sight. The Common Sense Model offers a framework for understanding how these threatening perceptions may impact health and academic outcomes or change with intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L Tanner
- School of Nursing, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | | | | | - Janice M Buelow
- School of Nursing, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Wendy R Miller
- School of Nursing, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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Foley C, Kirkby A, Eccles FJR. A meta-ethnographic synthesis of the experiences of stigma amongst people with functional neurological disorder. Disabil Rehabil 2024; 46:1-12. [PMID: 36519449 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2022.2155714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Functional neurological disorder (FND) causes many neurological symptoms and significant disability. It is often misunderstood by medical professionals and the public meaning stigma is regularly reported. The aim of this review was to synthesise the qualitative findings in the literature to develop a more in-depth understanding of how people with FND experience stigma to inform future interventions. METHOD This review used a meta-ethnography approach. Five databases were searched (PsycINFO, Web of Science, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE) in February 2021 and updated in July 2022 for qualitative papers in FND. Included papers were critically assessed using the critical appraisal skills programme (CASP) checklist. Data were analysed and synthesised utilising meta-ethnography. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Sixteen papers were included in the final synthesis. Four major themes emerged: stigmatized by delegitimization; stigmatized by social exclusion and rejection; coping with stigma; and stigma and identity. The results identified negative, stigmatizing attitudes towards people experiencing FND symptoms in a variety of contexts including healthcare and other social institutions. The effects of stigma led to further exclusion for participants and appeared to trigger coping styles that led to additional difficulty. Stigma is a key part of the illness experience of FND and needs to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciarán Foley
- Division of Health Research, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Antonia Kirkby
- Department of Clinical Neuropsychology, Salford Royal Hospital, Salford, UK
| | - Fiona J R Eccles
- Division of Health Research, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
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Tanner AL, von Gaudecker JR, Buelow JM, Oruche UM, Miller WR. Adolescents' Perceptions of Functional Seizure Self-Management Strategies, Facilitators, and Barriers in the School Environment. J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv 2023; 61:19-27. [PMID: 37134281 PMCID: PMC10592598 DOI: 10.3928/02793695-20230424-04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Adolescents with functional (psychogenic nonepileptic) seizures encounter many struggles within the school environment, including stress, bullying, stigmatization, and accusations of faking seizure events. Mental health nurses and school personnel are poised to support school-based self-management; unfortunately, to date, no evidence exists to detail effective school-based self-management strategies for adolescents with functional seizures. Therefore, in the current qualitative study, we examined adolescents' functional seizure self-management, perceived effectiveness, and facilitators and barriers using semi-structured interviews analyzed using content analysis. We interviewed 10 adolescent females aged 12 to 19 years. Themes of proactive (prior to seizure warning symptoms) and reactive (after seizure warning symptoms) self-management, involving protection, perseverance, and progress monitoring, emerged. Adolescents perceived proactive strategies as primarily effective, whereas reactive strategies were less effective. Adolescents identified school nurses and personnel, family, and peers as facilitators and barriers to self-management. Mental health nurses are positioned to provide care, co-create plans, and advocate for adolescents with functional seizures in collaboration with school nurses and personnel. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 61(10), 19-27.].
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Albert DVF. It's Hard, But it Doesn't Have to Be, A Commentary on "It's Hard": Adolescents' experience attending school with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 132:108760. [PMID: 35641374 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dara V F Albert
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, Nationwide Children's Hospital/The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
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