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Nielsen G, Stone J, Lee TC, Goldstein LH, Marston L, Hunter RM, Carson A, Holt K, Marsden J, Le Novere M, Nazareth I, Noble H, Reuber M, Strudwick AM, Santana Suarez B, Edwards MJ. Specialist physiotherapy for functional motor disorder in England and Scotland (Physio4FMD): a pragmatic, multicentre, phase 3 randomised controlled trial. Lancet Neurol 2024; 23:675-686. [PMID: 38768621 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(24)00135-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Functional motor disorder-the motor variant of functional neurological disorder-is a disabling condition that is commonly associated with poor health outcomes. Pathophysiological models have inspired new treatment approaches such as specialist physiotherapy, although evidence from large randomised controlled trials is absent. We aimed to assess the clinical effectiveness of a specialist physiotherapy intervention for functional motor disorder compared with treatment as usual. METHODS In this pragmatic, multicentre, phase 3 randomised controlled trial at 11 hospitals in England and Scotland, adults with a clinically definite diagnosis of functional motor disorder, diagnosed by a neurologist, were included. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1, stratified by site) using a remote web-based application to either specialist physiotherapy (a protocolised intervention of nine sessions plus follow-up) or treatment as usual (referral to local community neurological physiotherapy). Individuals working on data collection and analysis were masked to treatment allocation. The primary outcome was the physical functioning domain of the 36-item short form health questionnaire (SF36) at 12 months after randomisation. The primary analysis followed a modified intention-to-treat principle, using a complete case approach; participants who were unable to receive their randomised treatment due to the suspension of health-care services during the COVID-19 pandemic were excluded from the primary analysis. This trial is registered with the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial registry, ISRCTN56136713, and is completed. FINDINGS Recruitment occurred between Oct 19, 2018, and March 11, 2020, pausing during the COVID-19 lockdown, and resuming from Aug 3, 2021, to Jan 31, 2022. Of 355 participants who were enrolled, 179 were randomly assigned to specialist physiotherapy and 176 to treatment as usual. 89 participants were excluded from the primary analysis due to COVID-19 interruption to treatment (27 were assigned to specialist physiotherapy and 62 to treatment as usual). After accounting for withdrawals (n=11) and loss to follow-up (n=14), the primary analysis included data from 241 participants (138 [91%] assigned specialist physiotherapy and 103 [90%] assigned treatment as usual). Physical functioning, as assessed by SF36, did not differ significantly between groups (adjusted mean difference 3·5, 95% CI -2·3 to 9·3; p=0·23). There were no serious adverse events related to the trial interventions. 35 serious adverse events were recorded in the specialist physiotherapy group by 24 participants (17·0%), and 24 serious adverse events were recorded in the treatment as usual group by 18 participants (17·0%); one death occurred in the specialist physiotherapy group (cause of death was recorded as suicide). All were considered unrelated to specialist physiotherapy. INTERPRETATION Although more participants who were assigned specialist physiotherapy self-rated their motor symptoms as improved and had better scores on subjective measures of mental health, the intervention did not result in better self-reported physical functioning at 12 months. Both the specialist and community neurological physiotherapy appeared to be a safe and a valued treatment for selected patients with functional motor disorder. Future research should continue to refine interventions for people with functional motor disorder and develop evidence-based methods to guide treatment triage decisions. FUNDING National Institute for Health and Care Research and Health Technology Assessment Programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenn Nielsen
- Neuroscience Research Centre, Institute of Molecular and Clinical Sciences, St George's University of London, London, UK.
| | - Jon Stone
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Teresa C Lee
- Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University College London, London, UK; PRIMENT Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, UK; Department of Statistical Science, University College London, London, UK
| | - Laura H Goldstein
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Louise Marston
- Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University College London, London, UK; PRIMENT Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Rachael Maree Hunter
- PRIMENT Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, UK; Department of Applied Health Research, University College London, London, UK
| | - Alan Carson
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Kate Holt
- Neuroscience Research Centre, Institute of Molecular and Clinical Sciences, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Jon Marsden
- School of Health Professions, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Marie Le Novere
- PRIMENT Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, UK; Department of Applied Health Research, University College London, London, UK
| | - Irwin Nazareth
- Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University College London, London, UK; PRIMENT Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Hayley Noble
- Neuroscience Research Centre, Institute of Molecular and Clinical Sciences, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Markus Reuber
- Academic Neurology Unit, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Beatriz Santana Suarez
- Neuroscience Research Centre, Institute of Molecular and Clinical Sciences, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Mark J Edwards
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK; Department of Neuropsychiatry, Maudsley Hospital, London, UK
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Richardson M, Cathro M, Kleinstäuber M. Nocebo Hypothesis Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (NH-CBT) for non-epileptic seizures: a consecutive case series. Behav Cogn Psychother 2024; 52:356-375. [PMID: 38018147 DOI: 10.1017/s1352465823000565] [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] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research has demonstrated that implementation of Nocebo Hypothesis Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (NH-CBT) achieved full symptom remission in 93% of people with Functional Neurological Symptoms Disorder (FNSD), most of them exhibiting motor symptoms. The basis for NH-CBT is consistent with a predictive coding aetiological model of FNSD. This idea is transparently shared with people with FNSD in the form of telling them that their symptoms are caused by a nocebo effect, usually followed by some physical activity that aims to change the person's belief about their body. AIMS To demonstrate that a version of NH-CBT can also be effective in eliminating or reducing non-epileptic seizures (assumed to be a sub-type of FNSD). METHOD A consecutive case series design was employed. Participants were treated with NH-CBT over a 12-week period. The primary outcome measure was seizure frequency. Numerous secondary measures were employed, as well as a brief qualitative interview to explore participants' subjective experience of treatment. RESULTS Seven out of the 10 participants became seizure free at least 2 weeks before their post-treatment assessment, and all stayed seizure-free for at least 5 months. Six of those seven remained seizure free at 6-month follow-up. There were large positive effect sizes for the majority of secondary measures assessed. CONCLUSIONS This case series provides evidence of feasibility and likely utility of NH-CBT in reducing the frequency of non-epileptic seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt Richardson
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Michael Cathro
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Maria Kleinstäuber
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Department of Psychology, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, USA
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Goldstein LH, Stone J, Reuber M, Landau S, Robinson EJ, Carson A, Medford N, Chalder T. Reflections on the CODES trial for adults with dissociative seizures: what we found and considerations for future studies. BMJ Neurol Open 2024; 6:e000659. [PMID: 38860230 PMCID: PMC11163627 DOI: 10.1136/bmjno-2024-000659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The COgnitive behavioural therapy versus standardised medical care for adults with Dissociative non-Epileptic Seizures multicentre randomised controlled trial is the largest, fully-powered study to test the clinical and cost-effectiveness of a psychotherapeutic intervention in this population. We also explored predictors or moderators of outcomes and investigated mechanisms of change in therapy. In this current review of findings, we discuss issues related to the design of the trial and consider the study's nested qualitative studies which were undertaken not only to shed light on the original research questions but to provide insights and recommendations for other researchers in the field of functional neurological disorder. Finally, we consider issues relating to the possible clinical application of our study findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura H Goldstein
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Jon Stone
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Markus Reuber
- Academic Neurology Unit, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Sabine Landau
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Emily J Robinson
- School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
- Research Data and Statistics Unit, Royal Marsden Clinical Trials Unit, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Surrey, UK
| | - Alan Carson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Nick Medford
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Trudie Chalder
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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Chalder T, Landau S, Stone J, Carson A, Reuber M, Medford N, Robinson EJ, Goldstein LH. How does cognitive behavior therapy for dissociative seizures work? A mediation analysis of the CODES trial. Psychol Med 2024; 54:1725-1734. [PMID: 38197148 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291723003665] [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] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We compared dissociative seizure specific cognitive behavior therapy (DS-CBT) plus standardized medical care (SMC) to SMC alone in a randomized controlled trial. DS-CBT resulted in better outcomes on several secondary trial outcome measures at the 12-month follow-up point. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate putative treatment mechanisms. METHODS We carried out a secondary mediation analysis of the CODES trial. 368 participants were recruited from the National Health Service in secondary / tertiary care in England, Scotland, and Wales. Sixteen mediation hypotheses corresponding to combinations of important trial outcomes and putative mediators were assessed. Twelve-month trial outcomes considered were final-month seizure frequency, Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS), and the SF-12v2, a quality-of-life measure providing physical (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores. Mediators chosen for analysis at six months (broadly corresponding to completion of DS-CBT) included: (a) beliefs about emotions, (b) a measure of avoidance behavior, (c) anxiety and (d) depression. RESULTS All putative mediator variables except beliefs about emotions were found to be improved by DS-CBT. We found evidence for DS-CBT effect mediation for the outcome variables dissociative seizures (DS), WSAS and SF-12v2 MCS scores by improvements in target variables avoidance behavior, anxiety, and depression. The only variable to mediate the DS-CBT effect on the SF-12v2 PCS score was avoidance behavior. CONCLUSIONS Our findings largely confirmed the logic model underlying the development of CBT for patients with DS. Interventions could be additionally developed to specifically address beliefs about emotions to assess whether it improves outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Chalder
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - S Landau
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - J Stone
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - A Carson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - M Reuber
- Academic Neurology Unit, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - N Medford
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - E J Robinson
- King's College London, School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, London, UK
- Research Data and Statistics Unit, Royal Marsden Clinical Trials Unit, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Surrey, UK
| | - L H Goldstein
- Department of Psychology, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK
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COVID-19 and the Physio4FMD trial: Impact, mitigating strategies and analysis plans. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2023; 33:101124. [PMID: 37008795 PMCID: PMC10038674 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2023.101124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Functional motor disorder (FMD) is a common cause of disabling neurological symptoms such as weakness and tremor. Physio4FMD is a pragmatic, multicentre single blind randomised controlled trial to evaluate effectiveness and cost effectiveness of specialist physiotherapy for FMD. Like many other studies this trial was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods The planned statistical and health economics analyses for this trial are described, as well as the sensitivity analyses designed to assess the disruption caused by COVID-19. The trial treatment of at least 89 participants (33%) was disrupted due to the pandemic. To account for this, we have extended the trial to increase the sample size. We have identified four groups based on how participants’ involvement in Physio4FMD was affected; A: 25 were unaffected; B: 134 received their trial treatment before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and were followed up during the pandemic; C: 89 were recruited in early 2020 and had not received any randomised treatment before clinical services closed because of COVID-19; D: 88 participants were recruited after the trial was restarted in July 2021. The primary analysis will involve groups A, B and D. Regression analysis will be used to assess treatment effectiveness. We will conduct descriptive analyses for each of the groups identified and sensitivity regression analyses with participants from all groups, including group C, separately. Discussion The COVID-19 mitigation strategy and analysis plans are designed to maintain the integrity of the trial while providing meaningful results. Trial registration ISRCTN56136713.
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Milano BA, Moutoussis M, Convertino L. The neurobiology of functional neurological disorders characterised by impaired awareness. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1122865. [PMID: 37009094 PMCID: PMC10060839 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1122865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
We review the neurobiology of Functional Neurological Disorders (FND), i.e., neurological disorders not explained by currently identifiable histopathological processes, in order to focus on those characterised by impaired awareness (functionally impaired awareness disorders, FIAD), and especially, on the paradigmatic case of Resignation Syndrome (RS). We thus provide an improved more integrated theory of FIAD, able to guide both research priorities and the diagnostic formulation of FIAD. We systematically address the diverse spectrum of clinical presentations of FND with impaired awareness, and offer a new framework for understanding FIAD. We find that unraveling the historical development of neurobiological theory of FIAD is of paramount importance for its current understanding. Then, we integrate contemporary clinical material in order to contextualise the neurobiology of FIAD within social, cultural, and psychological perspectives. We thus review neuro-computational insights in FND in general, to arrive at a more coherent account of FIAD. FIAD may be based on maladaptive predictive coding, shaped by stress, attention, uncertainty, and, ultimately, neurally encoded beliefs and their updates. We also critically appraise arguments in support of and against such Bayesian models. Finally, we discuss implications of our theoretical account and provide pointers towards an improved clinical diagnostic formulation of FIAD. We suggest directions for future research towards a more unified theory on which future interventions and management strategies could be based, as effective treatments and clinical trial evidence remain limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Annunziata Milano
- Institute of Life Sciences, Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa, Italy
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Michael Moutoussis
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- National Hospital of Neurology and Neurosurgery (UCLH), London, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Convertino
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- National Hospital of Neurology and Neurosurgery (UCLH), London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Laura Convertino,
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Goldstein LH, Vitoratou S, Stone J, Chalder T, Baldellou Lopez M, Carson A, Reuber M. Performance of the GAD-7 in adults with dissociative seizures. Seizure 2023; 104:15-21. [PMID: 36462456 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2022.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Little is known about the accuracy of the GAD-7, a self-report anxiety measure, in detecting generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) in people with dissociative seizures (DS). We evaluated the reliability, validity and uniformity of the GAD-7 using a diagnosis of GAD on the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview as a reference. METHODS We assessed 368 adults with DS at the pre-randomisation phase of the CODES trial. Factor analysis for categorical data assessed GAD-7 uniformity. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed by estimating the area under the curve (AUC). We evaluated discriminant validity, reviewed data on convergent validity and calculated internal consistency. We explored correlations between GAD-7 scores and monthly DS frequency, frequency of severe seizures and measures of behavioural and emotional avoidance. RESULTS Internal consistency of the GAD-7 was high (α = 0.92). Factor analysis elicited one main factor and general measurement invariance. Diagnostic accuracy was fair (AUC = 0.72) but the best balance of sensitivity and specificity occurred at a cut-off of ≥12 and still had a specificity rate of only 68%. Discriminant and convergent validity were good. GAD-7 scores correlated positively with DS frequency, severe seizure frequency, behavioural and emotional avoidance (all p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Findings regarding internal consistency and factor structure parallel previous psychometric evaluations of the GAD-7. Correlations between GAD-7 scores and DS occurrence/severity and avoidance are evidence of the concept validity of GAD-7 and provide further support for a fear-avoidance treatment model for DS. However, the utility of the GAD-7 as a diagnostic instrument for generalised anxiety disorder is limited in patients with DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura H Goldstein
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, PO77, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK.
| | - Silia Vitoratou
- Psychometrics and Measurement Lab, Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Jon Stone
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Trudie Chalder
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Maria Baldellou Lopez
- Centre for Implementation Science, Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Alan Carson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Markus Reuber
- Academic Neurology Unit, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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Goldstein LH, Robinson EJ, Chalder T, Stone J, Reuber M, Medford N, Carson A, Moore M, Landau S. Moderators of cognitive behavioural therapy treatment effects and predictors of outcome in the CODES randomised controlled trial for adults with dissociative seizures. J Psychosom Res 2022; 158:110921. [PMID: 35617911 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2022.110921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We explored moderators of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) treatment effects and predictors of outcome at 12-month follow-up in the CODES Trial (N = 368) comparing CBT plus standardised medical care (SMC) vs SMC-alone for dissociative seizures (DS). METHODS We undertook moderator analyses of baseline characteristics to determine who had benefited from being offered CBT 12 months post-randomisation. Outcomes included: monthly DS frequency, psychosocial functioning (Work and Social Adjustment Scale - WSAS), and health-related quality of life (Mental Component Summary (MCS) and Physical Component Summary (PCS) SF-12v2 scores). When moderating effects were absent, we tested whether baseline variables predicted change irrespective of treatment allocation. RESULTS Moderator analyses revealed greater benefits (p < 0.05) of CBT on DS frequency for participants with more (≥22) symptoms (Modified PHQ-15) or ≥ 1 current (M.I.N.I.-confirmed) comorbid psychiatric diagnosis at baseline. The effect of CBT on PCS scores was moderated by gender; women did better than men in the CBT + SMC group. Predictors of improved outcome included: not receiving disability benefits, lower anxiety and/or depression scores (PCS, MCS, WSAS); shorter duration, younger age at DS onset, employment, fewer symptoms and higher educational qualification (PCS, WSAS); stronger belief in the diagnosis and in CBT as a "logical" treatment (MCS). Some variables that clinically might be expected to moderate/predict outcome (e.g., maladaptive personality traits, confidence in treatment) were not shown to be relevant. CONCLUSION Patient complexity interacted with treatment. CBT was more likely to reduce DS frequency in those with greater comorbidity. Other patient characteristics predicted outcome regardless of the received intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- L H Goldstein
- King's College London, Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, UK.
| | - E J Robinson
- King's College London, School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, UK; Research Data and Statistics Unit, Royal Marsden Clinical Trials Unit, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Surrey, UK.
| | - T Chalder
- King's College London, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, UK.
| | - J Stone
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, UK.
| | - M Reuber
- Academic Neurology Unit, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
| | - N Medford
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
| | - A Carson
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, UK.
| | - M Moore
- Centre for Social Justice and Global Responsibility, School of Law and Social Sciences, London South Bank University, London, UK.
| | - S Landau
- King's College London, Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, UK.
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Putica A, O’Donnell ML, Felmingham KL. Prolonged Exposure Therapy in the Treatment of Functional Neurological Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Clin Case Stud 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/15346501221098458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Functional neurological disorder (FND) symptoms resemble neurological symptoms but are unexplained by disease or injury to the body. Psychological trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are prevalent among patients with FND. This is a case report of a 64-year-old female who began treatment 2 years after developing PTSD, generalised anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder and agoraphobia following a physical assault. She subsequently developed FND approximately 18 months later. Her FND symptomology was characterised by aphasia and paraplegia. These symptoms usually lasted for a period of hours to days and usually occurred on a weekly basis. She had not previously engaged in psychological therapy due to limited insight into the relationship between her psychological and physiological symptomology. She was treated with Prolonged Exposure for PTSD (PE), and by the last session, she no longer met the diagnostic criteria for either FND or PTSD disorder. PE successfully treated both PTSD and FND. Theoretical understandings of the mechanisms underpinning this improvement are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Putica
- Phoenix Australia Centre for Post-traumatic Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Meaghan L. O’Donnell
- Phoenix Australia Centre for Post-traumatic Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Kim L. Felmingham
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Krámská L, Hrešková L, Krámský D, Vojtěch Z. Attachment style of patients diagnosed with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures at a tertiary Epilepsy Center in the Czech Republic. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1065201. [PMID: 36465292 PMCID: PMC9712441 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1065201] [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: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Quality and type of early relationships with primary caregivers is considered one of the key factors in the etiopathogenesis of many mental disorders including depression, anxiety, and conversion disorders. This study focused on the type and quality of attachment style in adult patients with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES). MATERIALS AND METHODS We evaluated the demographic data and profiles of PNES patients (n = 262) and group of healthy volunteers (n = 51) measured by the Parental Bonding Inventory (PBI) and Experiences in Close Relationships (ECR) and Experiences in Close Relationships-Relationship Structure (ECR-RS). RESULTS Significant differences in measured values between the two groups were identified; specifically, differences in the caregiver style-father and mother overprotection (PBI) was higher in the PNES group. The most frequent type of attachment in PNES was type 2 (preoccupied). Correlations between the PBI and ECR results were also found. CONCLUSION This study highlighted certain attachment styles in patients with PNES and statistically significant differences between patients with PNES and a healthy sample. Some correlations between the results of the questionnaires with socio-demographic factors were found. The identification of specific patterns in attachment may be useful for further use in reaching a differential diagnosis and administering tailored psychotherapy of patients with PNES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Krámská
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Na Homolce Hospital, Prague, Czechia.,Epilepsy Center, Na Homolce Hospital, Prague, Czechia
| | - Lucia Hrešková
- Kúpele pre dušu, s.r.o., Bardejov Spa, Bardejov, Slovakia
| | - David Krámský
- Department of Social Science, Police Academy, Prague, Czechia
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Goldstein LH, Robinson EJ, Chalder T, Reuber M, Medford N, Stone J, Carson A, Moore M, Landau S. Six-month outcomes of the CODES randomised controlled trial of cognitive behavioural therapy for dissociative seizures: a secondary analysis. Seizure 2022; 96:128-136. [PMID: 35228117 PMCID: PMC8970049 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2022.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
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Goldstein LH, Robinson EJ, Mellers JDC, Stone J, Carson A, Chalder T, Reuber M, Eastwood C, Landau S, McCrone P, Moore M, Mosweu I, Murray J, Perdue I, Pilecka I, Richardson MP, Medford N. Psychological and demographic characteristics of 368 patients with dissociative seizures: data from the CODES cohort. Psychol Med 2021; 51:2433-2445. [PMID: 32389147 PMCID: PMC8506352 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291720001051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We examined demographic, clinical, and psychological characteristics of a large cohort (n = 368) of adults with dissociative seizures (DS) recruited to the CODES randomised controlled trial (RCT) and explored differences associated with age at onset of DS, gender, and DS semiology. METHODS Prior to randomisation within the CODES RCT, we collected demographic and clinical data on 368 participants. We assessed psychiatric comorbidity using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.) and a screening measure of personality disorder and measured anxiety, depression, psychological distress, somatic symptom burden, emotional expression, functional impact of DS, avoidance behaviour, and quality of life. We undertook comparisons based on reported age at DS onset (<40 v. ⩾40), gender (male v. female), and DS semiology (predominantly hyperkinetic v. hypokinetic). RESULTS Our cohort was predominantly female (72%) and characterised by high levels of socio-economic deprivation. Two-thirds had predominantly hyperkinetic DS. Of the total, 69% had ⩾1 comorbid M.I.N.I. diagnosis (median number = 2), with agoraphobia being the most common concurrent diagnosis. Clinical levels of distress were reported by 86% and characteristics associated with maladaptive personality traits by 60%. Moderate-to-severe functional impairment, high levels of somatic symptoms, and impaired quality of life were also reported. Women had a younger age at DS onset than men. CONCLUSIONS Our study highlights the burden of psychopathology and socio-economic deprivation in a large, heterogeneous cohort of patients with DS. The lack of clear differences based on gender, DS semiology and age at onset suggests these factors do not add substantially to the heterogeneity of the cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura H. Goldstein
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, UK
| | - Emily J. Robinson
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, UK
- King's College London, School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, UK
| | | | - Jon Stone
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Alan Carson
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Trudie Chalder
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, UK
| | - Markus Reuber
- Academic Neurology Unit, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Carole Eastwood
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, UK
| | - Sabine Landau
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, UK
| | - Paul McCrone
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, UK
| | - Michele Moore
- Centre for Social Justice and Global Responsibility, School of Law and Social Sciences, London South Bank University, London, UK
| | - Iris Mosweu
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, UK
| | - Joanna Murray
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, UK
| | - Iain Perdue
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, UK
| | - Izabela Pilecka
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, UK
| | - Mark P. Richardson
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, UK
| | - Nick Medford
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Scévola L, Wolfzun C, Sarudiansky M, Pico MMA, Ponieman M, Stivala EG, Korman G, Kochen S, D'Alessio L. Psychiatric disorders, depression and quality of life in patients with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures and drug resistant epilepsy living in Argentina. Seizure 2021; 92:174-181. [PMID: 34536854 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2021.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Psychiatric disorders are frequently found in both patients with PNES and DRE, making the differential diagnosis even more complex. The aim of this study was to analyze and compare psychiatric aspects and the quality of life in patients with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) and drug resistant epilepsy (DRE). METHODS Patients admitted to video-electroencephalograpy (VEEG) unit with confirmed PNES and DRE were included. Demographical characteristics, psychiatric diagnosis according to SCID I and II of DSM IV, pharmacological treatment, general functioning measured with GAF (Global assessment of functionality), quality of life (QoL) using QlesQSF (Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire Short Form) and depression severity using BDI II (Beck depression inventory), were compared between the groups. Non-parametric tests, chi square test, and logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS 148 patients consecutively admitted to VEEG were included (DRE n = 97; PNES n = 51). Somatization disorder (RR: 13.02, 95% CI: 1.23-137.39, p = 0.03) and a history of trauma (RR: 8.66, 95% CI: 3.21-23.31, p = 0.001) were associated with PNES. The QlesQ score and the GAF score were lower with a higher prevalence of suicide attempts in the PNES group (p < 0.01). A negative correlation was observed between the severity of depression and the quality of life (DRE r = - 0.28, p = 0.013; PNES r = - 0.59, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Higher psychiatric comorbidity with poorer QoL were found in PNES patients compared to DRE. However, depression comorbidity negatively affected the QoL in both groups. Future studies based on illness perception will be orientated to complete this analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Scévola
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Medicina, IBCN (Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencias) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de Argentina (CONICET), Argentina; Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Medicina, Centro de Epilepsia del Hospital Ramos Mejía, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Camila Wolfzun
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Medicina, Centro de Epilepsia del Hospital Ramos Mejía, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Psicología-CONICET, Argentina
| | - Mercedes Sarudiansky
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Medicina, Centro de Epilepsia del Hospital Ramos Mejía, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Psicología-CONICET, Argentina
| | - María Marta Areco Pico
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Medicina, Centro de Epilepsia del Hospital Ramos Mejía, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Psicología-CONICET, Argentina
| | - Micaela Ponieman
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Medicina, Centro de Epilepsia del Hospital Ramos Mejía, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Psicología-CONICET, Argentina
| | - Ernesto Gonzalez Stivala
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Medicina, IBCN (Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencias) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de Argentina (CONICET), Argentina; Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Medicina, Centro de Epilepsia del Hospital Ramos Mejía, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Centro de Epilepsia del Hospital El Cruce, Estudios en Neurociencias y Sistemas Complejos (ENyS)-CONICET, Argentina
| | - Guido Korman
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Psicología-CONICET, Argentina
| | - Silvia Kochen
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Medicina, Centro de Epilepsia del Hospital Ramos Mejía, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Centro de Epilepsia del Hospital El Cruce, Estudios en Neurociencias y Sistemas Complejos (ENyS)-CONICET, Argentina
| | - Luciana D'Alessio
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Medicina, IBCN (Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencias) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de Argentina (CONICET), Argentina; Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Medicina, Centro de Epilepsia del Hospital Ramos Mejía, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Myers L, Sarudiansky M, Korman G, Baslet G. Using evidence-based psychotherapy to tailor treatment for patients with functional neurological disorders. Epilepsy Behav Rep 2021; 16:100478. [PMID: 34693243 PMCID: PMC8515382 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebr.2021.100478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional neurological disorder (FND) frequently presents with comorbid psychopathology (e.g., anxiety, depressive, post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD), somatic symptom and pain syndromes, and dissociative and personality disorders). It can become chronic and lead to unemployment and disability for many patients. Psychosocial factors play an important role in the onset and perpetuation of symptoms. Consequently, psychotherapy is recommended for the treatment of FND in general, and especially for the single symptom-based subtype of functional seizures (FS). Some of the psychotherapy approaches that have been utilized for FND include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), third wave approaches, and psychodynamic psychotherapies as well as group therapeutic and psychoeducational interventions. For patients with FS and PTSD, prolonged exposure therapy, a CBT-based treatment has been implemented. The purpose of this manuscript is to describe and analyze specific elements (e.g., theoretical foundations, tools, targets, definitions of success) of the main psychotherapeutic approaches used in patients with FND. Our premise is that these modalities will overlap considerably in some respects. We will conclude by discussing how discrete differences may render them more suitable for subgroups of patients with FND or for patients at different timepoints of their recovery process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorna Myers
- Northeast Regional Epilepsy Group, United States
| | - Mercedes Sarudiansky
- National Council for Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET), Institute of Research in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Guido Korman
- National Council for Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET), Institute of Research in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gaston Baslet
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
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O'Connor PJ, Reuber M. 'It's both challenging and probably the most rewarding work' - A qualitative study of psychological therapy provider's experiences of working with people with dissociative seizures. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 122:108156. [PMID: 34175664 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Limited research exists exploring the experiences of psychological therapy providers (PTPs) working with people with dissociative seizures (DS). PTPs play a key role in the treatment of DS, yet sit at the end of a long, often ineffective process of diagnosis and waiting before treatment can commence. This qualitative study was undertaken involving 12 PTPs from specialist DS services throughout England and Scotland. Semi-structured interviews were carried out, using thematic analysis to evaluate the data. Four key themes were identified, "neurological to psychological", "putting the person with DS at the center", "treatment process", and "issues and impact of therapy with patients with DS". The findings showed that an unclear and uncomprehended diagnosis, together with waiting times had a detrimental impact on patients at the starting point of therapy. People with DS were perceived as a heterogeneous group whose treatment needed to be individualized, using the PTPs' full 'toolkit' of modalities and techniques, with a focus on improving quality of life, rather than reducing seizures. The study highlighted the complexity for PTPs of working with major but also accumulated minor traumas, compounded by the impact of DS on both PTPs and treatment. The desire of PTPs to be totally patient-focused meant that individualized treatment was considered essential and meant that participants were doubtful about the possibility of compiling an effective manual for the psychological treatment for DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peri Jane O'Connor
- School of Health and Community Studies, Leeds Beckett University, City Campus, Leeds LS1 3HE, United Kingdom.
| | - Markus Reuber
- Academic Neurology Unit, University of Sheffield, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2JF, United Kingdom.
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16
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What do we know about non-epileptic seizures in adults with intellectual disability: A narrative review. Seizure 2021; 91:437-446. [PMID: 34332255 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2021.07.021] [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: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) superficially resemble epileptic seizures, but are not associated with abnormal electrical activity in the brain. PNES are a heterogeneous entity and while there is increasing interest in the characterisation of PNES sub-groups, little is known about individuals with PNES who have an intellectual disability (ID). ID is a lifelong condition characterised by significant limitations in cognitive, social and practical skills. ID (commonly with comorbid epilepsy) has been identified as a risk factor for developing PNES. However, people with ID are often excluded from research in PNES. This has unfortunately resulted in a lack of evidence to help inform practice and policy for this population. This narrative review synthesises the currently available evidence in terms of the epidemiology, demographic and clinical profile of adults with PNES and ID. There is a particular focus on demographics, aetiological factors, PNES characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of the condition in this population. Throughout this article, we critique the existing evidence, discuss implications for clinical practice and highlight the need for further research and enquiry. What emerges from the evidence is that, even within the sub-group of those with ID, PNES are a heterogeneous condition. Individuals with ID and PNES are likely to present with diverse and complex needs requiring multidisciplinary care. This review is aimed at the broad range of healthcare professionals who may encounter this group. We hope that it will stimulate further discussion and research initiatives.
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Baldellou Lopez M, Goldstein LH, Robinson EJ, Vitoratou S, Chalder T, Carson A, Stone J, Reuber M. Validation of the PHQ-9 in adults with dissociative seizures. J Psychosom Res 2021; 146:110487. [PMID: 33932719 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2021.110487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The PHQ-9 is a self-administered depression screening instrument. Little is known about its utility and accuracy in detecting depression in adults with dissociative seizures (DS). OBJECTIVES Using the Mini - International Neuropsychiatric Interview as a reference, we evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of the PHQ-9 in adults with DS, and examined its convergent and discriminant validity and uniformity. METHODS Our sample comprised 368 people with DS who completed the pre-randomisation assessment of the CODES trial. The uniformity of the PHQ-9 was determined using factor analysis for categorical data. Optimal cut-offs were determined using the area under the curve (AUC), Youden Index, and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR). Convergent and discriminant validity were assessed against pre-randomisation measures. RESULTS Internal consistency of the PHQ-9 was high (α = 0.87). While the diagnostic odds ratio suggested that a cut-off of ≥10 had the best predictive performance (DOR = 14.7), specificity at this cut off was only 0.49. AUC (0.74) and Youden Index (0.48) suggested a ≥ 13 cut-off would yield an optimal sensitivity (0.81) and specificity (0.67) balance. However, a cut-off score of ≥20 would be required to match specificity resulting from a cut-off of ≥13 in other medical conditions. We found good convergent and discriminant validity and one main factor for the PHQ-9. CONCLUSIONS In terms of internal consistency and structure, our findings were consistent with previous validation studies but indicated that a higher cut-off would be required to identify DS patients with depression with similar specificity achieved with PHQ-9 screening in different clinical and non-clinical populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Baldellou Lopez
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Laura H Goldstein
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK.
| | - Emily J Robinson
- School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, King's College London, UK
| | - Silia Vitoratou
- Psychometrics and Measurement Lab, Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Trudie Chalder
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Alan Carson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jon Stone
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Markus Reuber
- Academic Neurology Unit, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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18
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Goldstein LH, Robinson EJ, Pilecka I, Perdue I, Mosweu I, Read J, Jordan H, Wilkinson M, Rawlings G, Feehan SJ, Callaghan H, Day E, Purnell J, Baldellou Lopez M, Brockington A, Burness C, Poole NA, Eastwood C, Moore M, Mellers JD, Stone J, Carson A, Medford N, Reuber M, McCrone P, Murray J, Richardson MP, Landau S, Chalder T. Cognitive-behavioural therapy compared with standardised medical care for adults with dissociative non-epileptic seizures: the CODES RCT. Health Technol Assess 2021; 25:1-144. [PMID: 34196269 DOI: 10.3310/hta25430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dissociative (non-epileptic) seizures are potentially treatable by psychotherapeutic interventions; however, the evidence for this is limited. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of dissociative seizure-specific cognitive-behavioural therapy for adults with dissociative seizures. DESIGN This was a pragmatic, multicentre, parallel-arm, mixed-methods randomised controlled trial. SETTING This took place in 27 UK-based neurology/epilepsy services, 17 liaison psychiatry/neuropsychiatry services and 18 cognitive-behavioural therapy services. PARTICIPANTS Adults with dissociative seizures in the previous 8 weeks and no epileptic seizures in the previous year and meeting other eligibility criteria were recruited to a screening phase from neurology/epilepsy services between October 2014 and February 2017. After psychiatric assessment around 3 months later, eligible and interested participants were randomised between January 2015 and May 2017. INTERVENTIONS Standardised medical care consisted of input from neurologists and psychiatrists who were given guidance regarding diagnosis delivery and management; they provided patients with information booklets. The intervention consisted of 12 dissociative seizure-specific cognitive-behavioural therapy 1-hour sessions (plus one booster session) that were delivered by trained therapists, in addition to standardised medical care. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was monthly seizure frequency at 12 months post randomisation. The secondary outcomes were aspects of seizure occurrence, quality of life, mood, anxiety, distress, symptoms, psychosocial functioning, clinical global change, satisfaction with treatment, quality-adjusted life-years, costs and cost-effectiveness. RESULTS In total, 698 patients were screened and 368 were randomised (standardised medical care alone, n = 182; and cognitive-behavioural therapy plus standardised medical care, n = 186). Primary outcome data were obtained for 85% of participants. An intention-to-treat analysis with multivariate imputation by chained equations revealed no significant between-group difference in dissociative seizure frequency at 12 months [standardised medical care: median of seven dissociative seizures (interquartile range 1-35 dissociative seizures); cognitive-behavioural therapy and standardised medical care: median of four dissociative seizures (interquartile range 0-20 dissociative seizures); incidence rate ratio 0.78, 95% confidence interval 0.56 to 1.09; p = 0.144]. Of the 16 secondary outcomes analysed, nine were significantly better in the arm receiving cognitive-behavioural therapy at a p-value < 0.05, including the following at a p-value ≤ 0.001: the longest dissociative seizure-free period in months 7-12 inclusive post randomisation (incidence rate ratio 1.64, 95% confidence interval 1.22 to 2.20; p = 0.001); better psychosocial functioning (Work and Social Adjustment Scale, standardised treatment effect -0.39, 95% confidence interval -0.61 to -0.18; p < 0.001); greater self-rated and clinician-rated clinical improvement (self-rated: standardised treatment effect 0.39, 95% confidence interval 0.16 to 0.62; p = 0.001; clinician rated: standardised treatment effect 0.37, 95% confidence interval 0.17 to 0.57; p < 0.001); and satisfaction with treatment (standardised treatment effect 0.50, 95% confidence interval 0.27 to 0.73; p < 0.001). Rates of adverse events were similar across arms. Cognitive-behavioural therapy plus standardised medical care produced 0.0152 more quality-adjusted life-years (95% confidence interval -0.0106 to 0.0392 quality-adjusted life-years) than standardised medical care alone. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (cost per quality-adjusted life-year) for cognitive-behavioural therapy plus standardised medical care versus standardised medical care alone based on the EuroQol-5 Dimensions, five-level version, and imputed data was £120,658. In sensitivity analyses, incremental cost-effectiveness ratios ranged between £85,724 and £206,067. Qualitative and quantitative process evaluations highlighted useful study components, the importance of clinical experience in treating patients with dissociative seizures and potential benefits of our multidisciplinary care pathway. LIMITATIONS Unlike outcome assessors, participants and clinicians were not blinded to the interventions. CONCLUSIONS There was no significant additional benefit of dissociative seizure-specific cognitive-behavioural therapy in reducing dissociative seizure frequency, and cost-effectiveness over standardised medical care was low. However, this large, adequately powered, multicentre randomised controlled trial highlights benefits of adjunctive dissociative seizure-specific cognitive-behavioural therapy for several clinical outcomes, with no evidence of greater harm from dissociative seizure-specific cognitive-behavioural therapy. FUTURE WORK Examination of moderators and mediators of outcome. TRIAL REGISTRATION Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN05681227 and ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02325544. FUNDING This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 25, No. 43. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura H Goldstein
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Emily J Robinson
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Izabela Pilecka
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Iain Perdue
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Iris Mosweu
- King's Health Economics, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - Julie Read
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Harriet Jordan
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Matthew Wilkinson
- Canterbury Christ Church University, Salamons Institute for Applied Psychology, Tunbridge Wells, UK.,South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Gregg Rawlings
- School of Clinical Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Sarah J Feehan
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Hannah Callaghan
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Elana Day
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - James Purnell
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Maria Baldellou Lopez
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Alice Brockington
- Department of Neurology, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Norman A Poole
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, St George's Hospital, South West London and St George's NHS Mental Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Carole Eastwood
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Michele Moore
- Centre for Social Justice and Global Responsibility, School of Law and Social Sciences, London South Bank University, London, UK
| | | | - Jon Stone
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Alan Carson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Nick Medford
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Markus Reuber
- Academic Neurology Unit, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Paul McCrone
- King's Health Economics, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - Joanna Murray
- Department of Health Services & Population Research, Institute of Psychiatry,Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Mark P Richardson
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Sabine Landau
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Trudie Chalder
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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Lanzillotti AI, Sarudiansky M, Lombardi NR, Korman GP, D Alessio L. Updated Review on the Diagnosis and Primary Management of Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizure Disorders. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2021; 17:1825-1838. [PMID: 34113112 PMCID: PMC8187153 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s286710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) are paroxystic and episodic events associated with motor, sensory, mental or autonomic manifestations, which resemble epileptic seizures (ES), but are not caused by epileptogenic activity. PNES affect between 20% and 30% of patients attending at epilepsy centers and constitute a serious mental health problem. PNES are often underdiagnosed, undertreated and mistaken with epilepsy. PNES are diagnosed after medical causes (epilepsy, syncope, stroke, etc.) have been ruled out, and psychological mechanisms are involved in their genesis and perpetuation. For psychiatry, there is not a single definition for PNES; the DSM-IV and ICD-10/11 describe the conversion and dissociative disorders, and the DSM-5 describes the functional neurological disorders. However, patients with PNES also have a high frequency of other comorbidities like depression, particularly trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder. It has been postulated that PNES are essentially dissociations that operate as a defensive psychological mechanism that use the mind as a defense to deal with traumas. With the advent of VEEG in the 90s, the recognition of PNES has significantly increased, and several psychological treatments have been developed. In this manuscript, we carried out a state-of-the-art review, with the aim to provide a critical approach to the extensive literature about PNES, focusing on diagnostic aspects, the primary management, and the available treatments that have been shown to be effective for the improvement of PNES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Inés Lanzillotti
- Buenos Aires University, Psychology School, Psychology School Research Institute National Council for Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mercedes Sarudiansky
- Buenos Aires University, Psychology School, Psychology School Research Institute National Council for Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Guido Pablo Korman
- Buenos Aires University, Psychology School, Psychology School Research Institute National Council for Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luciana D Alessio
- Buenos Aires University, Ramos Mejía Hospital, Epilepsy Center, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Buenos Aires University, Medicine School, Cell Biology and Neuroscience Institute (IBCN)- National Council for Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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LaFaver K, LaFrance WC, Price ME, Rosen PB, Rapaport M. Treatment of functional neurological disorder: current state, future directions, and a research agenda. CNS Spectr 2020; 26:1-7. [PMID: 33280634 DOI: 10.1017/s1092852920002138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Functional neurological disorder (FND) encompasses a complex and heterogeneous group of neuropsychiatric syndromes commonly encountered in clinical practice. Patients with FND may present with a myriad of neurological symptoms and frequently have comorbid medical, neurological, and psychiatric disorders. Over the past decade, important advances have been made in understanding the pathophysiology of FND within a biopsychosocial framework. Many challenges remain in addressing the stigma associated with this diagnosis, refining diagnostic criteria, and providing access to evidence-based treatments. This paper outlines FND treatment approaches, emphasizing the importance of respectful communication and comprehensive explanation of the diagnosis to patients, as critical first step to enhance engagement, adherence, self-agency, and treatment outcomes. We then focus on a brief review of evidence-based treatments for psychogenic non-epileptic seizures and functional movement disorder, a guide for designing future treatment trials for FND, and a proposal for a treatment research agenda, in order to aid in advancing the field to develop and implement treatments for patients with FND.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin LaFaver
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - William Curt LaFrance
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology, Rhode Island Hospital, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Michele E Price
- Department of Neurology, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Phyllis B Rosen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Mark Rapaport
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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21
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Tolchin B, Baslet G, Martino S, Suzuki J, Blumenfeld H, Hirsch LJ, Altalib H, Dworetzky BA. Motivational Interviewing Techniques to Improve Psychotherapy Adherence and Outcomes for Patients With Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures. J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci 2020; 32:125-131. [PMID: 31466516 DOI: 10.1176/appi.neuropsych.19020045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) are a highly disabling disorder frequently encountered by neurologists, psychiatrists, and emergency medicine physicians. There is accumulating evidence for the efficacy of psychological therapies, yet the majority of patients do not complete treatment. A range of health care system-based, clinician-based, and patient-based barriers to treatment exists, including stigma, poor clinician-patient communication, and patient ambivalence about the diagnosis and treatment of PNES. These barriers frequently lead to treatment nonadherence. Motivational interviewing (MI) is a patient-centered counseling style targeting ambivalence about behavior change, which has been shown to be effective in improving psychotherapy adherence and outcomes among patients with PNES. The authors review MI processes and techniques that may be useful to health care providers helping patients with PNES and other functional neurological disorders to engage in psychotherapy. The authors examine common challenges arising during MI for patients with PNES, including somatic symptoms distracting from clinician-patient communication, ambivalence about making concrete plans for treatment, and psychiatric comorbidities. Strategies for overcoming these obstacles are reviewed, including the use of complex reflections to enhance patient engagement; the use of an ask-tell-ask format and specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-limited (SMART) goals to facilitate treatment planning; and close collaboration between the neurology and psychotherapy teams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Tolchin
- The Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn. (Tolchin, Blumenfeld, Hirsch, Altalib); Neurology Service, Epilepsy Center of Excellence, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Conn. (Tolchin, Altalib); the Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Tolchin, Dworetzky); the Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Baslet, Suzuki); the Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn. (Martino); and Psychology Service, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Conn. (Martino)
| | - Gaston Baslet
- The Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn. (Tolchin, Blumenfeld, Hirsch, Altalib); Neurology Service, Epilepsy Center of Excellence, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Conn. (Tolchin, Altalib); the Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Tolchin, Dworetzky); the Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Baslet, Suzuki); the Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn. (Martino); and Psychology Service, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Conn. (Martino)
| | - Steve Martino
- The Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn. (Tolchin, Blumenfeld, Hirsch, Altalib); Neurology Service, Epilepsy Center of Excellence, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Conn. (Tolchin, Altalib); the Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Tolchin, Dworetzky); the Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Baslet, Suzuki); the Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn. (Martino); and Psychology Service, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Conn. (Martino)
| | - Joji Suzuki
- The Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn. (Tolchin, Blumenfeld, Hirsch, Altalib); Neurology Service, Epilepsy Center of Excellence, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Conn. (Tolchin, Altalib); the Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Tolchin, Dworetzky); the Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Baslet, Suzuki); the Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn. (Martino); and Psychology Service, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Conn. (Martino)
| | - Hal Blumenfeld
- The Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn. (Tolchin, Blumenfeld, Hirsch, Altalib); Neurology Service, Epilepsy Center of Excellence, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Conn. (Tolchin, Altalib); the Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Tolchin, Dworetzky); the Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Baslet, Suzuki); the Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn. (Martino); and Psychology Service, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Conn. (Martino)
| | - Lawrence J Hirsch
- The Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn. (Tolchin, Blumenfeld, Hirsch, Altalib); Neurology Service, Epilepsy Center of Excellence, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Conn. (Tolchin, Altalib); the Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Tolchin, Dworetzky); the Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Baslet, Suzuki); the Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn. (Martino); and Psychology Service, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Conn. (Martino)
| | - Hamada Altalib
- The Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn. (Tolchin, Blumenfeld, Hirsch, Altalib); Neurology Service, Epilepsy Center of Excellence, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Conn. (Tolchin, Altalib); the Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Tolchin, Dworetzky); the Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Baslet, Suzuki); the Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn. (Martino); and Psychology Service, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Conn. (Martino)
| | - Barbara A Dworetzky
- The Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn. (Tolchin, Blumenfeld, Hirsch, Altalib); Neurology Service, Epilepsy Center of Excellence, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Conn. (Tolchin, Altalib); the Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Tolchin, Dworetzky); the Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Baslet, Suzuki); the Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn. (Martino); and Psychology Service, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Conn. (Martino)
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22
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O'Dwyer R. Epilepsy: Workup and Management in Adults. Semin Neurol 2020; 40:624-637. [PMID: 33176373 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1719069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
When managing epilepsy, there is a temptation to focus care with respect to the last and the next seizure. However, epilepsy is a multifaceted chronic condition and should be treated as such. Epilepsy comes with many physical risks, psychological effects, and socioeconomic ramifications, demanding a long-term commitment from the treating physician. Patients with epilepsy, compared to other chronically ill patient populations, have a worse quality of life, family function, and less social support. The majority of patients are well controlled on antiseizure drugs. However, approximately one-third will continue to have seizures despite optimized medical management. The primary aim of this article is to explore the long-term management of chronic epilepsy, and to address some of the particular needs of patients with chronic epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca O'Dwyer
- Department of Neurological Science, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
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23
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Nicholson TR, Carson A, Edwards MJ, Goldstein LH, Hallett M, Mildon B, Nielsen G, Nicholson C, Perez DL, Pick S, Stone J, Aybek S, Baslet G, Bloem BR, Brown RJ, Chalder T, Damianova M, David AS, Epstein S, Espay AJ, Garcin B, Jankovic J, Joyce E, Kanaan RA, Kozlowska K, LaFaver K, LaFrance WC, Lang AE, Lehn A, Lidstone S, Maurer C, Morgante F, Myers L, Reuber M, Rommelfanger K, Schwingenshuh P, Serranova T, Shotbolt P, Stebbins G, Tijssen MAJ, Tinazzi M. Outcome Measures for Functional Neurological Disorder: A Review of the Theoretical Complexities. J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci 2020; 32:33-42. [PMID: 31865871 DOI: 10.1176/appi.neuropsych.19060128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The development and selection of optimal outcome measures is increasingly recognized as a key component of evidence-based medicine, particularly the need for the development of a standardized set of measures for use in clinical trials. This process is particularly complex for functional neurological disorder (FND) for several reasons. FND can present with a wide range of symptoms that resemble the full spectrum of other neurological disorders. Additional physical (e.g., pain, fatigue) and psychological (e.g., depression, anxiety) symptoms are commonly associated with FND, which also can be highly disabling with implications for prognosis, and warrant concurrent assessment, despite an unclear etiological relationship with FND. Furthermore, several unique clinical aspects of FND make it likely that the usual prioritization of "objective" (or clinician-rated) over "subjective" (or patient-rated) measures might not be appropriate. Self-report measures may be more clinically meaningful in this patient population. Despite being a common and disabling disorder, there has been little research into outcome measures in FND, and to date trials have largely used measures designed for the assessment of other disorders. An international FND Core Outcome Measure group (FND-COM) has been established to develop a consensus battery of outcomes for FND: a "core outcome set." In this perspective article, the authors reviewed the process of outcome measure development and selection before considering the specific features of FND affecting the development of a core outcome set, as well as a research agenda to optimize outcome measurement in this complex neuropsychiatric disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy R Nicholson
- The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London (T. Nicholson, Goldstein, Pick); the Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom (Carson, Stone); the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Astley Ainslie Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom (Carson); the Neuroscience Research Centre, St. George's University of London (Edwards, Nielsen); Human Motor Control Section, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, Md. (Hallett); FND Hope International, Banbury, United Kingdom (Mildon); the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London, and Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, London (C. Nicholson); and the Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Perez)
| | - Alan Carson
- The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London (T. Nicholson, Goldstein, Pick); the Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom (Carson, Stone); the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Astley Ainslie Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom (Carson); the Neuroscience Research Centre, St. George's University of London (Edwards, Nielsen); Human Motor Control Section, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, Md. (Hallett); FND Hope International, Banbury, United Kingdom (Mildon); the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London, and Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, London (C. Nicholson); and the Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Perez)
| | - Mark J Edwards
- The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London (T. Nicholson, Goldstein, Pick); the Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom (Carson, Stone); the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Astley Ainslie Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom (Carson); the Neuroscience Research Centre, St. George's University of London (Edwards, Nielsen); Human Motor Control Section, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, Md. (Hallett); FND Hope International, Banbury, United Kingdom (Mildon); the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London, and Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, London (C. Nicholson); and the Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Perez)
| | - Laura H Goldstein
- The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London (T. Nicholson, Goldstein, Pick); the Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom (Carson, Stone); the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Astley Ainslie Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom (Carson); the Neuroscience Research Centre, St. George's University of London (Edwards, Nielsen); Human Motor Control Section, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, Md. (Hallett); FND Hope International, Banbury, United Kingdom (Mildon); the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London, and Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, London (C. Nicholson); and the Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Perez)
| | - Mark Hallett
- The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London (T. Nicholson, Goldstein, Pick); the Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom (Carson, Stone); the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Astley Ainslie Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom (Carson); the Neuroscience Research Centre, St. George's University of London (Edwards, Nielsen); Human Motor Control Section, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, Md. (Hallett); FND Hope International, Banbury, United Kingdom (Mildon); the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London, and Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, London (C. Nicholson); and the Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Perez)
| | - Bridget Mildon
- The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London (T. Nicholson, Goldstein, Pick); the Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom (Carson, Stone); the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Astley Ainslie Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom (Carson); the Neuroscience Research Centre, St. George's University of London (Edwards, Nielsen); Human Motor Control Section, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, Md. (Hallett); FND Hope International, Banbury, United Kingdom (Mildon); the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London, and Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, London (C. Nicholson); and the Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Perez)
| | - Glenn Nielsen
- The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London (T. Nicholson, Goldstein, Pick); the Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom (Carson, Stone); the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Astley Ainslie Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom (Carson); the Neuroscience Research Centre, St. George's University of London (Edwards, Nielsen); Human Motor Control Section, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, Md. (Hallett); FND Hope International, Banbury, United Kingdom (Mildon); the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London, and Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, London (C. Nicholson); and the Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Perez)
| | - Clare Nicholson
- The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London (T. Nicholson, Goldstein, Pick); the Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom (Carson, Stone); the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Astley Ainslie Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom (Carson); the Neuroscience Research Centre, St. George's University of London (Edwards, Nielsen); Human Motor Control Section, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, Md. (Hallett); FND Hope International, Banbury, United Kingdom (Mildon); the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London, and Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, London (C. Nicholson); and the Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Perez)
| | - David L Perez
- The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London (T. Nicholson, Goldstein, Pick); the Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom (Carson, Stone); the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Astley Ainslie Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom (Carson); the Neuroscience Research Centre, St. George's University of London (Edwards, Nielsen); Human Motor Control Section, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, Md. (Hallett); FND Hope International, Banbury, United Kingdom (Mildon); the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London, and Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, London (C. Nicholson); and the Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Perez)
| | - Susannah Pick
- The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London (T. Nicholson, Goldstein, Pick); the Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom (Carson, Stone); the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Astley Ainslie Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom (Carson); the Neuroscience Research Centre, St. George's University of London (Edwards, Nielsen); Human Motor Control Section, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, Md. (Hallett); FND Hope International, Banbury, United Kingdom (Mildon); the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London, and Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, London (C. Nicholson); and the Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Perez)
| | - Jon Stone
- The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London (T. Nicholson, Goldstein, Pick); the Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom (Carson, Stone); the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Astley Ainslie Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom (Carson); the Neuroscience Research Centre, St. George's University of London (Edwards, Nielsen); Human Motor Control Section, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, Md. (Hallett); FND Hope International, Banbury, United Kingdom (Mildon); the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London, and Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, London (C. Nicholson); and the Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Perez)
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- The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London (T. Nicholson, Goldstein, Pick); the Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom (Carson, Stone); the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Astley Ainslie Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom (Carson); the Neuroscience Research Centre, St. George's University of London (Edwards, Nielsen); Human Motor Control Section, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, Md. (Hallett); FND Hope International, Banbury, United Kingdom (Mildon); the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London, and Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, London (C. Nicholson); and the Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Perez)
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Read J, Jordan H, Perdue I, Purnell J, Murray J, Chalder T, Reuber M, Stone J, Goldstein LH. The experience of trial participation, treatment approaches and perceptions of change among participants with dissociative seizures within the CODES randomized controlled trial: A qualitative study. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 111:107230. [PMID: 32640411 PMCID: PMC7581898 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nested within a large, multicenter randomized controlled trial (RCT) for people with dissociative seizures (DS), the study used purposive sampling to explore participants' experience of participating in an RCT, their experience of DS-specific cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and another component of the RCT, Standardized Medical Care (SMC) and their perceptions of and reflections on seizure management and change. METHODS A qualitative study using semistructured interviews was conducted with 30 participants in an RCT (the COgnitive behavioral therapy vs standardized medical care for adults with Dissociative non-Epileptic Seizures (CODES) Trial) investigating the effectiveness of two treatments for DS. Key themes and subthemes were identified using thematic framework analysis (TFA). RESULTS Analysis yielded three overarching themes: taking part in a treatment trial - "the only thing out there", the experience of treatment techniques that were perceived to help with seizure management, and reflections on an "unpredictable recovery". CONCLUSIONS People with DS are amenable to participating in a psychotherapy RCT and described a largely positive experience. They also described the applicability of aspects of DS-specific CBT and SMC in the management of their DS, received within the confines of the CODES trial. Factors that appeared to account for the variability in response to treatment delivery included individual preferences for the nature of sessions, the nature of therapeutic relationships, readiness to discuss trauma, other aspects of emotional avoidance, and whether therapy provided something new.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Read
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - Harriet Jordan
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - Iain Perdue
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - James Purnell
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - Joanna Murray
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - Trudie Chalder
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - Markus Reuber
- Academic Neurology Unit, University of Sheffield, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield S10 2JF, UK
| | - Jon Stone
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Laura H Goldstein
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK.
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25
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Osman AH, Alsharief SM, Siddig HE. Functional neurological disorder: Characteristics and outcome in a limited-resources country (Sudan). Epilepsy Behav 2020; 111:107151. [PMID: 32698104 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a scarcity of reports from limited-resources countries on functional neurological disorder (FND). We therefore carried out this descriptive study from Sudan to highlight the clinical characteristics of patients and the cultural, diagnostic, and management outcome. METHOD Of 1000 new referrals and patients seen at a central neuropsychiatric clinic in Khartoum, Sudan, 40 fulfilled the criteria for FND. Subjects were diagnosed by excluding organic illness and confirming psychological distress through neuropsychological assessment and clinical interview. Mood was measured using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scales. RESULTS Young unemployed women constituted 60% of our sample. Most subjects presented with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (82.5%), speech abnormalities (47.5%), and limb paralysis or weakness was (35%). Associated mood disorder was found in 97.5% of all subjects. However, 95% of our sample showed a remarkable clinical response to combination therapy (antidepressants and psychotherapy). SIGNIFICANCE Patients with FND showed strong evidence of comorbid affective disorders in the form of depression and anxiety disorder. Most patients (95%) responded well to combination therapy with antidepressants and psychotherapy. Sociodemographic correlates of FND in Sudan prove to be consistent with features found in Western cultures, with only minor idiosyncratic characteristics due to local culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelgadir H Osman
- Psychiatric Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, P.O. Box 102, Khartoum, Sudan.
| | - Sabah M Alsharief
- Psychiatric Training Scheme Khartoum, Sudan Medical Council, Estibalia Street, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Hassab Elrasoul Siddig
- Neurology and Neuroscience Association, Alnileen Medical Centre, Alsharief Alhindi Street, Khartoum, Sudan
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26
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Nicholson C, Edwards MJ, Carson AJ, Gardiner P, Golder D, Hayward K, Humblestone S, Jinadu H, Lumsden C, MacLean J, Main L, Macgregor L, Nielsen G, Oakley L, Price J, Ranford J, Ranu J, Sum E, Stone J. Occupational therapy consensus recommendations for functional neurological disorder. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2020; 91:1037-1045. [PMID: 32732388 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2019-322281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with functional neurological disorder (FND) are commonly seen by occupational therapists; however, there are limited descriptions in the literature about the type of interventions that are likely to be helpful. This document aims to address this issue by providing consensus recommendations for occupational therapy assessment and intervention. METHODS The recommendations were developed in four stages. Stage 1: an invitation was sent to occupational therapists with expertise in FND in different countries to complete two surveys exploring their opinions regarding best practice for assessment and interventions for FND. Stage 2: a face-to-face meeting of multidisciplinary clinical experts in FND discussed and debated the data from stage 1, aiming to achieve consensus on each issue. Stage 3: recommendations based on the meeting were drafted. Stage 4: successive drafts of recommendations were circulated among the multidisciplinary group until consensus was achieved. RESULTS We recommend that occupational therapy treatment for FND is based on a biopsychosocial aetiological framework. Education, rehabilitation within functional activity and the use of taught self-management strategies are central to occupational therapy intervention for FND. Several aspects of occupational therapy for FND are distinct from therapy for other neurological conditions. Examples to illustrate the recommendations are included within this document. CONCLUSIONS Occupational therapists have an integral role in the multidisciplinary management of people with FND. This document forms a starting point for research aiming to develop evidence-based occupational therapy interventions for people with FND.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare Nicholson
- Department of Therapy Services, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Mark J Edwards
- Neurosciences Research Centre, University of London St George's Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, London, UK
| | - Alan J Carson
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Paula Gardiner
- Centre for Clinical Brain Services, University of Edinburgh, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Kate Hayward
- Department of Therapy Services, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Susan Humblestone
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery, London, United Kingdom
| | - Helen Jinadu
- The Lishman Unit, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Carrie Lumsden
- Community Rehabilitation and Brain Injury Service, West Lothian Community Health and Care Partnership, Livingston, West Lothian, United Kingdom
| | - Julie MacLean
- Occupational Therapy Department, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Lynne Main
- Neurological rehabilitation out-patient services, Astley Ainslie Hospital, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Lindsey Macgregor
- Falkirk Community Mental Health Service for Adults, NHS Forth Valley, Falkirk, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Glenn Nielsen
- Neurosciences Research Centre, University of London St George's Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, London, UK
| | - Louise Oakley
- National Centre for Mental Health, Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Jason Price
- Department of Neuropsychology, James Cook University Hospital, South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
| | - Jessica Ranford
- Occupational Therapy Department, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Jasbir Ranu
- Department of Therapy Services, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Ed Sum
- Integrated Community Neurology Team, East Coast Community Healthcare CIC, Lowestoft, United Kingdom
| | - Jon Stone
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
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Ganslev CA, Storebø OJ, Callesen HE, Ruddy R, Søgaard U. Psychosocial interventions for conversion and dissociative disorders in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2020; 7:CD005331. [PMID: 32681745 PMCID: PMC7388313 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd005331.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Conversion and dissociative disorders are conditions where people experience unusual neurological symptoms or changes in awareness or identity. However, symptoms and clinical signs cannot be explained by a neurological disease or other medical condition. Instead, a psychological stressor or trauma is often present. The symptoms are real and can cause significant distress or problems with functioning in everyday life for the people experiencing them. OBJECTIVES To assess the beneficial and harmful effects of psychosocial interventions of conversion and dissociative disorders in adults. SEARCH METHODS We conducted database searches between 16 July and 16 August 2019. We searched Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, and eight other databases, together with reference checking, citation searching and contact with study authors to identify additional studies. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included all randomised controlled trials that compared psychosocial interventions for conversion and dissociative disorders with standard care, wait list or other interventions (pharmaceutical, somatic or psychosocial). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We selected, quality assessed and extracted data from the identified studies. Two review authors independently performed all tasks. We used standard Cochrane methodology. For continuous data, we calculated mean differences (MD) and standardised mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). For dichotomous outcomes, we calculated risk ratio (RR) with 95% CI. We assessed and downgraded the evidence according to the GRADE system for risk of bias, imprecision, indirectness, inconsistency and publication bias. MAIN RESULTS We included 17 studies (16 with parallel-group designs and one with a cross-over design), with 894 participants aged 18 to 80 years (female:male ratio 3:1). The data were separated into 12 comparisons based on the different interventions and comparators. Studies were pooled into the same comparison when identical interventions and comparisons were evaluated. The certainty of the evidence was downgraded as a consequence of potential risk of bias, as many of the studies had unclear or inadequate allocation concealment. Further downgrading was performed due to imprecision, few participants and inconsistency. There were 12 comparisons for the primary outcome of reduction in physical signs. Inpatient paradoxical intention therapy compared with outpatient diazepam: inpatient paradoxical intention therapy did not reduce conversive symptoms compared with outpatient diazepam at the end of treatment (RR 1.44, 95% CI 0.91 to 2.28; 1 study, 30 participants; P = 0.12; very low-quality evidence). Inpatient treatment programme plus hypnosis compared with inpatient treatment programme: inpatient treatment programme plus hypnosis did not reduce severity of impairment compared with inpatient treatment programme at the end of treatment (MD -0.49 (negative value better), 95% CI -1.28 to 0.30; 1 study, 45 participants; P = 0.23; very low-quality evidence). Outpatient hypnosis compared with wait list: outpatient hypnosis might reduce severity of impairment compared with wait list at the end of treatment (MD 2.10 (higher value better), 95% CI 1.34 to 2.86; 1 study, 49 participants; P < 0.00001; low-quality evidence). Behavioural therapy plus routine clinical care compared with routine clinical care: behavioural therapy plus routine clinical care might reduce the number of weekly seizures compared with routine clinical care alone at the end of treatment (MD -21.40 (negative value better), 95% CI -27.88 to -14.92; 1 study, 18 participants; P < 0.00001; very low-quality evidence). Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) compared with standard medical care: CBT did not reduce monthly seizure frequency compared to standard medical care at end of treatment (RR 1.56, 95% CI 0.39 to 6.19; 1 study, 16 participants; P = 0.53; very low-quality evidence). CBT did not reduce physical signs compared to standard medical care at the end of treatment (MD -4.75 (negative value better), 95% CI -18.73 to 9.23; 1 study, 61 participants; P = 0.51; low-quality evidence). CBT did not reduce seizure freedom compared to standard medical care at end of treatment (RR 2.33, 95% CI 0.30 to 17.88; 1 trial, 16 participants; P = 0.41; very low-quality evidence). Psychoeducational follow-up programmes compared with treatment as usual (TAU): no study measured reduction in physical signs at end of treatment. Specialised CBT-based physiotherapy inpatient programme compared with wait list: no study measured reduction in physical signs at end of treatment. Specialised CBT-based physiotherapy outpatient intervention compared with TAU: no study measured reduction in physical signs at end of treatment. Brief psychotherapeutic intervention (psychodynamic interpersonal treatment approach) compared with standard care: brief psychotherapeutic interventions did not reduce conversion symptoms compared to standard care at end of treatment (RR 0.12, 95% CI 0.01 to 2.00; 1 study, 19 participants; P = 0.14; very low-quality evidence). CBT plus adjunctive physical activity (APA) compared with CBT alone: CBT plus APA did not reduce overall physical impacts compared to CBT alone at end of treatment (MD 5.60 (negative value better), 95% CI -15.48 to 26.68; 1 study, 21 participants; P = 0.60; very low-quality evidence). Hypnosis compared to diazepam: hypnosis did not reduce symptoms compared to diazepam at end of treatment (RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.39 to 1.24; 1 study, 40 participants; P = 0.22; very low-quality evidence). Outpatient motivational interviewing (MI) and mindfulness-based psychotherapy compared with psychotherapy alone: psychotherapy preceded by MI might decrease seizure frequency compared with psychotherapy alone at end of treatment (MD 41.40 (negative value better), 95% CI 4.92 to 77.88; 1 study, 54 participants; P = 0.03; very low-quality evidence). The effect on the secondary outcomes was reported in 16/17 studies. None of the studies reported results on adverse effects. In the studies reporting on level of functioning and quality of life at end of treatment the effects ranged from small to no effect. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The results of the meta-analysis and reporting of single studies suggest there is lack of evidence regarding the effects of any psychosocial intervention on conversion and dissociative disorders in adults. It is not possible to draw any conclusions about potential benefits or harms from the included studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina A Ganslev
- Clinic of Liaison Psychiatry, Region Zealand, Denmark
- Psychiatric Research Unit, Psychiatry of Region Zealand, Slagelse, Denmark
| | - Ole Jakob Storebø
- Psychiatric Research Unit, Psychiatry of Region Zealand, Slagelse, Denmark
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Department, Region Zealand, Roskilde, Denmark
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | | | | | - Ulf Søgaard
- Clinic of Liaison Psychiatry, Region Zealand, Denmark
- Psychiatric Research Unit, Psychiatry of Region Zealand, Slagelse, Denmark
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Pick S, Anderson DG, Asadi-Pooya AA, Aybek S, Baslet G, Bloem BR, Bradley-Westguard A, Brown RJ, Carson AJ, Chalder T, Damianova M, David AS, Edwards MJ, Epstein SA, Espay AJ, Garcin B, Goldstein LH, Hallett M, Jankovic J, Joyce EM, Kanaan RA, Keynejad RC, Kozlowska K, LaFaver K, LaFrance WC, Lang AE, Lehn A, Lidstone S, Maurer CW, Mildon B, Morgante F, Myers L, Nicholson C, Nielsen G, Perez DL, Popkirov S, Reuber M, Rommelfanger KS, Schwingenshuh P, Serranova T, Shotbolt P, Stebbins GT, Stone J, Tijssen MA, Tinazzi M, Nicholson TR. Outcome measurement in functional neurological disorder: a systematic review and recommendations. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2020; 91:638-649. [PMID: 32111637 PMCID: PMC7279198 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2019-322180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed to identify existing outcome measures for functional neurological disorder (FND), to inform the development of recommendations and to guide future research on FND outcomes. METHODS A systematic review was conducted to identify existing FND-specific outcome measures and the most common measurement domains and measures in previous treatment studies. Searches of Embase, MEDLINE and PsycINFO were conducted between January 1965 and June 2019. The findings were discussed during two international meetings of the FND-Core Outcome Measures group. RESULTS Five FND-specific measures were identified-three clinician-rated and two patient-rated-but their measurement properties have not been rigorously evaluated. No single measure was identified for use across the range of FND symptoms in adults. Across randomised controlled trials (k=40) and observational treatment studies (k=40), outcome measures most often assessed core FND symptom change. Other domains measured commonly were additional physical and psychological symptoms, life impact (ie, quality of life, disability and general functioning) and health economics/cost-utility (eg, healthcare resource use and quality-adjusted life years). CONCLUSIONS There are few well-validated FND-specific outcome measures. Thus, at present, we recommend that existing outcome measures, known to be reliable, valid and responsive in FND or closely related populations, are used to capture key outcome domains. Increased consistency in outcome measurement will facilitate comparison of treatment effects across FND symptom types and treatment modalities. Future work needs to more rigorously validate outcome measures used in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susannah Pick
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - David G Anderson
- Donald Gordon Medical Centre, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ali A Asadi-Pooya
- Epilepsy Research Center, Shiraz Medical School, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran, Islamic Republic of.,Jefferson Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Selma Aybek
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bern & University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gaston Baslet
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bastiaan R Bloem
- Department of Neurology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | | | - Richard J Brown
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Alan J Carson
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, School of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Western General Hospital, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Trudie Chalder
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Maria Damianova
- Donald Gordon Medical Centre, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Anthony S David
- Institute of Mental Health, Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark J Edwards
- Neuroscience Research Centre, Institute of Molecular and Clinical Sciences, St George's University, London, UK
| | - Steven A Epstein
- Department of Psychiatry, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Alberto J Espay
- Gardner Family Center for Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Béatrice Garcin
- Department of Neurology, Hopital Avicenne, Assistance Publique, Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, Île-de-France, France
| | - Laura H Goldstein
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Mark Hallett
- Human Motor Control Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Joseph Jankovic
- Parkinson's Disease Center and Movement Disorders Clinic, Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Eileen M Joyce
- University College London Institute of Neurology, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Richard A Kanaan
- Department of Psychiatry, Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Roxanne C Keynejad
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Kasia Kozlowska
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Health, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney Medical School, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kathrin LaFaver
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - W Curt LaFrance
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology, Rhode Island Hospital, Brown Medical School, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Anthony E Lang
- Movement Disorders Clinic and the Edmond J. Safra Program in Parkinson's Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alex Lehn
- Mater Neurosciences Centre, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sarah Lidstone
- Movement Disorders Clinic and the Edmond J. Safra Program in Parkinson's Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Carine W Maurer
- Department of Neurology, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | | | - Francesca Morgante
- Neuroscience Research Centre, Institute of Molecular and Clinical Sciences, St George's University, London, UK
| | - Lorna Myers
- Northeast Regional Epilepsy Group, New York, New York, USA
| | - Clare Nicholson
- Therapy Services, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Glenn Nielsen
- Neuroscience Research Centre, Institute of Molecular and Clinical Sciences, St George's University, London, UK
| | - David L Perez
- Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Therapy Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Stoyan Popkirov
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bochum, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Markus Reuber
- Academic Neurology Unit, University of Sheffield, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, UK
| | - Karen S Rommelfanger
- Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory Centre for Ethics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Tereza Serranova
- Department of Neurology and Center of Clinical Neuroscience, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Paul Shotbolt
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Glenn T Stebbins
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jon Stone
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, School of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Western General Hospital, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Marina Aj Tijssen
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Michele Tinazzi
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine, and Movement, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Timothy R Nicholson
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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Cognitive behavioural therapy for adults with dissociative seizures (CODES): a pragmatic, multicentre, randomised controlled trial. Lancet Psychiatry 2020; 7:491-505. [PMID: 32445688 PMCID: PMC7242906 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(20)30128-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dissociative seizures are paroxysmal events resembling epilepsy or syncope with characteristic features that allow them to be distinguished from other medical conditions. We aimed to compare the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) plus standardised medical care with standardised medical care alone for the reduction of dissociative seizure frequency. METHODS In this pragmatic, parallel-arm, multicentre randomised controlled trial, we initially recruited participants at 27 neurology or epilepsy services in England, Scotland, and Wales. Adults (≥18 years) who had dissociative seizures in the previous 8 weeks and no epileptic seizures in the previous 12 months were subsequently randomly assigned (1:1) from 17 liaison or neuropsychiatry services following psychiatric assessment, to receive standardised medical care or CBT plus standardised medical care, using a web-based system. Randomisation was stratified by neuropsychiatry or liaison psychiatry recruitment site. The trial manager, chief investigator, all treating clinicians, and patients were aware of treatment allocation, but outcome data collectors and trial statisticians were unaware of treatment allocation. Patients were followed up 6 months and 12 months after randomisation. The primary outcome was monthly dissociative seizure frequency (ie, frequency in the previous 4 weeks) assessed at 12 months. Secondary outcomes assessed at 12 months were: seizure severity (intensity) and bothersomeness; longest period of seizure freedom in the previous 6 months; complete seizure freedom in the previous 3 months; a greater than 50% reduction in seizure frequency relative to baseline; changes in dissociative seizures (rated by others); health-related quality of life; psychosocial functioning; psychiatric symptoms, psychological distress, and somatic symptom burden; and clinical impression of improvement and satisfaction. p values and statistical significance for outcomes were reported without correction for multiple comparisons as per our protocol. Primary and secondary outcomes were assessed in the intention-to-treat population with multiple imputation for missing observations. This trial is registered with the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial registry, ISRCTN05681227, and ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02325544. FINDINGS Between Jan 16, 2015, and May 31, 2017, we randomly assigned 368 patients to receive CBT plus standardised medical care (n=186) or standardised medical care alone (n=182); of whom 313 had primary outcome data at 12 months (156 [84%] of 186 patients in the CBT plus standardised medical care group and 157 [86%] of 182 patients in the standardised medical care group). At 12 months, no significant difference in monthly dissociative seizure frequency was identified between the groups (median 4 seizures [IQR 0-20] in the CBT plus standardised medical care group vs 7 seizures [1-35] in the standardised medical care group; estimated incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0·78 [95% CI 0·56-1·09]; p=0·144). Dissociative seizures were rated as less bothersome in the CBT plus standardised medical care group than the standardised medical care group (estimated mean difference -0·53 [95% CI -0·97 to -0·08]; p=0·020). The CBT plus standardised medical care group had a longer period of dissociative seizure freedom in the previous 6 months (estimated IRR 1·64 [95% CI 1·22 to 2·20]; p=0·001), reported better health-related quality of life on the EuroQoL-5 Dimensions-5 Level Health Today visual analogue scale (estimated mean difference 6·16 [95% CI 1·48 to 10·84]; p=0·010), less impairment in psychosocial functioning on the Work and Social Adjustment Scale (estimated mean difference -4·12 [95% CI -6·35 to -1·89]; p<0·001), less overall psychological distress than the standardised medical care group on the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation-10 scale (estimated mean difference -1·65 [95% CI -2·96 to -0·35]; p=0·013), and fewer somatic symptoms on the modified Patient Health Questionnaire-15 scale (estimated mean difference -1·67 [95% CI -2·90 to -0·44]; p=0·008). Clinical improvement at 12 months was greater in the CBT plus standardised medical care group than the standardised medical care alone group as reported by patients (estimated mean difference 0·66 [95% CI 0·26 to 1·04]; p=0·001) and by clinicians (estimated mean difference 0·47 [95% CI 0·21 to 0·73]; p<0·001), and the CBT plus standardised medical care group had greater satisfaction with treatment than did the standardised medical care group (estimated mean difference 0·90 [95% CI 0·48 to 1·31]; p<0·001). No significant differences in patient-reported seizure severity (estimated mean difference -0·11 [95% CI -0·50 to 0·29]; p=0·593) or seizure freedom in the last 3 months of the study (estimated odds ratio [OR] 1·77 [95% CI 0·93 to 3·37]; p=0·083) were identified between the groups. Furthermore, no significant differences were identified in the proportion of patients who had a more than 50% reduction in dissociative seizure frequency compared with baseline (OR 1·27 [95% CI 0·80 to 2·02]; p=0·313). Additionally, the 12-item Short Form survey-version 2 scores (estimated mean difference for the Physical Component Summary score 1·78 [95% CI -0·37 to 3·92]; p=0·105; estimated mean difference for the Mental Component Summary score 2·22 [95% CI -0·30 to 4·75]; p=0·084), the Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 scale score (estimated mean difference -1·09 [95% CI -2·27 to 0·09]; p=0·069), and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scale depression score (estimated mean difference -1·10 [95% CI -2·41 to 0·21]; p=0·099) did not differ significantly between groups. Changes in dissociative seizures (rated by others) could not be assessed due to insufficient data. During the 12-month period, the number of adverse events was similar between the groups: 57 (31%) of 186 participants in the CBT plus standardised medical care group reported 97 adverse events and 53 (29%) of 182 participants in the standardised medical care group reported 79 adverse events. INTERPRETATION CBT plus standardised medical care had no statistically significant advantage compared with standardised medical care alone for the reduction of monthly seizures. However, improvements were observed in a number of clinically relevant secondary outcomes following CBT plus standardised medical care when compared with standardised medical care alone. Thus, adults with dissociative seizures might benefit from the addition of dissociative seizure-specific CBT to specialist care from neurologists and psychiatrists. Future work is needed to identify patients who would benefit most from a dissociative seizure-specific CBT approach. FUNDING National Institute for Health Research, Health Technology Assessment programme.
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Senf-Beckenbach P, Hinkelmann K, Hoheisel M, Devine J, Rose M. [Pilot Data from the Evaluation of an Integrative Body Psychotherapy Program for Patients with Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures]. Psychother Psychosom Med Psychol 2020; 71:27-34. [PMID: 32356286 DOI: 10.1055/a-1146-3208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) occur in the context of various diseases. Therefore, PNES patients represent a heterogeneous group with different causative disorders. The etiology is still poorly understood. Previous concepts assume an increased rate of trauma disorders in PNES, which has been proven several times by previous studies 1 2. The clinical picture is threatening, which means that those affected often receive intensive care measures without benefiting from them 3. PNES patients accumulate especially in epilepsy centers, since a diagnostic differentiation from epileptic seizures is possible at those specialized centers. Often, the transition from making the diagnosis in epilepsy centers to follow-up treatment in psychosomatic/psychiatric settings is difficult. A reason could be that patients and practitioners are often involved in somatic disease concepts, which might be caused by the threatening clinical picture of PNES 28. Due to this difficulties, a special outpatient clinic was set up at the Charité Berlin for people with dissociative seizures, which settles in the transition from neurology to psychosomatics and works as a cooperation project 27. Out of the ambulance, a group treatment program (CORDIS) was developed, which aims at a better care of PNES patients at the interface between neurology and psychosomatic medicine. This modularized 10-week treatment program will be presented in this article and is the subject of a currently ongoing randomized, controlled evaluation study. The pilot data from the ongoing RCT study presented here showed significant effects in the effectiveness of the program, in particular the primary and secondary outcome measures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kim Hinkelmann
- Medizinische Klinik mit Schwerpunkt Psychosomatik, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin
| | - Matthias Hoheisel
- Medizinische Klinik mit Schwerpunkt Psychosomatik, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin
| | - Janine Devine
- Medizinische Klinik mit Schwerpunkt Psychosomatik, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin
| | - Matthias Rose
- Medizinische Klinik mit Schwerpunkt Psychosomatik, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin
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Berry AJ, Yuksel M, Proctor BJ, Foong J. Cognitive behavior therapy for comorbid dissociative seizures in patients with epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 106:106993. [PMID: 32169599 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.106993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The main aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for comorbid dissociative seizures (DS) in patients with epilepsy. METHODS We conducted a retrospective case note review of 14 patients with epilepsy who underwent outpatient CBT for DS in a tertiary neuropsychiatry service. The diagnosis of DS was confirmed by neurologists clinically and/or following video-telemetry electroencephalogram (EEG). We evaluated the outcome of the CBT treatment with respect to frequency of DS, measures of depression, anxiety, and social functioning. RESULTS Measures of depression and anxiety significantly reduced following CBT treatment. Overall, frequency of DS reduced following CBT treatment but did not reach statistical significance. SIGNIFICANCE This study provides evidence that CBT can be effective in reducing depression and anxiety in patients with both epilepsy and DS. Anxiety and depression are likely to be associated with DS. Further research in larger samples and longitudinal studies are recommended to evaluate the long-term efficacy of CBT in this patient group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex J Berry
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, Fitzrovia, London W1T 7BN, UK
| | - Macide Yuksel
- Neuropsychiatry Department, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Barnaby J Proctor
- Neuropsychiatry Department, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Jacqueline Foong
- Neuropsychiatry Department, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK.
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Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures in children-Prospective validation of a clinical care pathway & risk factors for treatment outcome. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 105:106971. [PMID: 32126506 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.106971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to prospectively validate a care pathway for psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) in a pediatric setting. The pathway was developed based on a previous study of patients at our center, which demonstrated positive treatment outcomes of 80% full or partial remission. Sequentially referred patients with PNES in the validation cohort received care prospectively according to the pathway algorithm. It was hypothesized that the validation cohort would achieve outcomes similar to that of the development cohort as a result of standardized care. METHOD We performed a retrospective chart review of 43 children sequentially referred, assessed, and treated within a specialized neurology psychology service for suspected PNES over a 5-year period. The majority of patients (n = 41, 95%) met diagnostic criteria for probable, clinically established, or documented PNES, according to the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) criteria. RESULTS Ages ranged from 6 to 18 years of age at time of diagnosis, with the majority of patients being female (n = 29, 67%) and adolescent (n = 31, 72%). There was a high level of adherence to the care algorithm (n = 34, 84%). The development and validation cohorts were similar across demographic, clinical, and psychological characteristics. Standardized care resulted in high rates of full (n = 27, 63%) and partial (n = 12, 28%) remission, as self-reported at discharge. A 96% decrease in mean monthly frequency of total PNES events was also observed at discharge, as was a significant reduction in healthcare utilization related to PNES (74% fewer ambulance calls and 85% fewer emergency department (ED) visits). Post hoc analyses demonstrated that duration of PNES illness longer than 12 months (at diagnosis) increased odds of not achieving full remission by discharge (odds ratio = 5.94, p = 0.02). Developmental period of onset (child versus adolescent), having abnormal electroencephalogram (EEG) result, previous concussion, chronic versus acute stressor, more than one PNES event type, or additional functional neurological symptoms did not significantly impact treatment response. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates, for the first time prospectively in a pediatric setting, that standardized care for PNES leads to improved clinical outcomes and reduced healthcare utilization. Delayed diagnosis and treatment of PNES longer than 12 months also appears to be associated with less favorable outcomes in children.
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Wilkinson M, Day E, Purnell J, Pilecka I, Perdue I, Murray J, Hunter EM, Goldstein LH. The experiences of therapists providing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for dissociative seizures in the CODES randomized controlled trial: A qualitative study. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 105:106943. [PMID: 32078929 PMCID: PMC7156910 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.106943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Little is known about the experiences of therapists delivering psychotherapy for patients with dissociative seizures (DS), a complex disorder associated with a range of comorbid psychosocial and mental health difficulties. This study set out to explore therapists' experiences of delivering DS-specific, manualized cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to adults with DS within the context of a randomized control trial. METHODS Interviews were conducted with 12 therapists involved in the COgnitive behavioral therapy vs standardized medical care for adults with Dissociative non-Epileptic Seizures (CODES) trial and were analyzed using thematic framework analysis (TFA). RESULTS Six main themes emerged, namely 1) aspects of the intervention that were favored, while others were not always considered applicable; 2) multiple and complex difficulties faced by patients; 3) working effectively within the protocol; 4) limitations of the protocol; 5) significance of formulation; and 6) quality of standardized medical care (SMC) and difficulties of diagnosis delivery. These addressed valued aspects of the intervention, complexities of the patient group, and experiences working within a structured treatment protocol. Family involvement and psychoeducation were highlighted as important components; the applicability of graded exposure techniques, however, was restricted by patients' apparent emotional avoidance. The structure provided by the treatment protocol was valued, but flexibility was important to individualize treatment in complex cases. A comprehensive formulation was fundamental to this. The initial diagnostic explanation provided by neurologists and psychiatrists was generally considered beneficial, with patients often perceived to enter therapy with a better understanding of their condition. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that the DS-specific CBT intervention met with general approval from therapists who also highlighted some practical challenges. Because of the nature of the condition, the need for experience of working with complex patients should be considered when applying the intervention to individual cases. Setting the CBT intervention in the context of a structured care pathway involving neurology and psychiatry may facilitate the therapeutic process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Wilkinson
- Canterbury Christ Church University, Salomons Institute for Applied Psychology, Tunbridge Wells, UK,South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Elana Day
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - James Purnell
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Izabela Pilecka
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Iain Perdue
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Joanna Murray
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Edyta Monika Hunter
- Canterbury Christ Church University, Salomons Institute for Applied Psychology, Tunbridge Wells, UK
| | - Laura H. Goldstein
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK,Corresponding author at: Department of Psychology, PO77, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK.
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We need a functioning name for PNES: Consider dissociative seizures. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 105:107002. [PMID: 32160585 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Ben-Naim S, Dienstag A, Freedman SA, Ekstein D, Foul YA, Gilad M, Peled O, Waldman A, Oster S, Azoulay M, Blondheim S, Arzy S, Eitan R. A Novel Integrative Psychotherapy for Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures Based on the Biopsychosocial Model: A Retrospective Pilot Outcome Study. PSYCHOSOMATICS 2020; 61:353-362. [PMID: 32284248 DOI: 10.1016/j.psym.2020.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) represent one of the most sizable treatment challenges in neuropsychiatry. Although the underlying mechanism is far from being understood, several interventions have been suggested. However, patients with comorbid psychiatric diagnoses and epilepsy are excluded from most intervention studies. OBJECTIVE To To present a within-group posttreatment vs pretreatment study representing the retrospective clinical results of an integrative psychotherapy model. METHODS We present the clinical results of 22 patients with PNES diagnosed in an epilepsy center and treated in our neuropsychiatry clinic using an integrative rehabilitative psychotherapy. Therapy included presenting the diagnosis, psychoeducation, seizure reduction behavioral techniques, and coping with past and present stressors. Insomuch as integrative biopsychosocial psychotherapy is based on an individualized treatment protocol for each patient, treatment was individualized and case specific. RESULTS By the end of treatment, 36% of patients had become seizure free and a further 54% achieved a major seizure reduction (reduction of more than 70%). Seventy-two percent of patients kept at least 70% seizure reduction at follow-up. Global Assessment of Functioning scores improved from a mean of 43.09 to a mean of 72.81 at the end of treatment and 69.72 at follow-up. In addition, we present 3 case descriptions that emphasize the individualized nature of psychotherapeutic decisions. CONCLUSIONS Our results support the feasibility and effectiveness of biopsychosocial based integrative psychotherapy for PNES and set principles for future treatment and prospective clinical trials in the field of individualized psychotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiri Ben-Naim
- Neuropsychiatry Clinic, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel; Department of Social Sciences, Academic College Tel-Aviv-Jaffa, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
| | - Aryeh Dienstag
- Neuropsychiatry Clinic, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel; Department of Psychiatry, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Sara A Freedman
- School of Social Work, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Dana Ekstein
- Department of Neurology, Agnes Ginges Center for Neurogenesis, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yasmin Abo Foul
- Neuropsychiatry Clinic, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel; Department of Psychology, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Moran Gilad
- Neuropsychiatry Clinic, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Or Peled
- Neuropsychiatry Clinic, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Avigail Waldman
- Neuropsychiatry Clinic, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Sivan Oster
- Neuropsychiatry Clinic, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Moriya Azoulay
- Neuropsychiatry Clinic, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel; Department of Psychology, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Shir Blondheim
- Neuropsychiatry Clinic, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel; Department of Psychology, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Shahar Arzy
- Neuropsychiatry Clinic, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel; Department of Neurology, Agnes Ginges Center for Neurogenesis, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel; Department of Medical Neurobiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Renana Eitan
- Neuropsychiatry Clinic, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel; Department of Medical Neurobiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel; Jerusalem Mental Health Center, Hebrew University Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel; Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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Baslet G, Ehlert A, Oser M, Dworetzky BA. Mindfulness-based therapy for psychogenic nonepileptic seizures. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 103:106534. [PMID: 31680023 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.106534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mindfulness-based therapies (MBTs) are effective in many neuropsychiatric disorders, and represent a potential therapeutic strategy for psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES). OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical effect of a manualized 12-session MBT for PNES in an uncontrolled trial. We hypothesized reductions in PNES frequency, intensity, and duration, and improvements in quality of life and psychiatric symptom severity at treatment completion. METHODS Between August 2014 and February 2018, 49 patients with documented PNES (with video electroencephalography [EEG]) were recruited at Brigham and Women's Hospital to participate in the MBT for PNES treatment study. Baseline demographic and clinical information and self-rating scales were obtained during the diagnostic evaluation (T0). Baseline PNES frequency, intensity, and duration were collected at the first follow-up postdiagnosis (T1). Frequency was obtained at each subsequent MBT session and analyzed over time with median regression analysis. Outcomes for other measures were collected at the last MBT session (T3), and compared to baseline measures using linear mixed models. RESULTS Twenty-six patients completed the 12-session MBT program and were included in the analysis. Median PNES frequency decreased by 0.12 events/week on average with each successive MBT session (p = 0.002). At session 12, 70% of participants endorsed a reduction in PNES frequency of at least 50%. Freedom from PNES was reported by 50% of participants by treatment conclusion. Seventy percent reported a 50% reduction in frequency from baseline and 50% reported remission at session 12. By treatment end, PNES intensity decreased (p = 0.012) and quality of life improved (p = 0.002). Event duration and psychiatric symptom severity were lower after treatment, but reductions were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Completion of a manualized 12-session MBT for PNES provides improvement in PNES frequency, intensity, and quality of life. The high dropout rate is consistent with adherence studies in PNES. Possible reasons for dropout are discussed. Randomized controlled trials and longer-term outcomes are needed to demonstrate the efficacy of MBT in PNES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaston Baslet
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Alexa Ehlert
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Megan Oser
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Barbara A Dworetzky
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Stone J, Callaghan H, Robinson EJ, Carson A, Reuber M, Chalder T, Perdue I, Goldstein LH. Predicting first attendance at psychiatry appointments in patients with dissociative seizures. Seizure 2020; 74:93-98. [PMID: 31869756 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2019.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
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Altalib HH, Galluzzo D, Argraves S, Goulet J, Bornovski Y, Cheung KH, Jackson-Shaheed E, Tolchin B, Fenton BT, Pugh MJ. Managing Functional Neurological Disorders: Protocol of a Cohort Study on Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures Study. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2019; 15:3557-3568. [PMID: 31920316 PMCID: PMC6939176 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s234852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Functional neurological disorders (FNDs) are neurological symptoms that cannot be explained by an underlying neurological lesion or other medical illness and that do not have clear neuropathological correlates. Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) are a common and highly disabling form of FND, characterized by paroxysmal episodes of involuntary movements and altered consciousness that can appear clinically similar to epileptic seizures. PNES are unique among FNDs in that they are diagnosed by video electroencephalographic (VEEG), a well-established biomarker for the disorder. The course of illness and response to treatment of PNES remain controversial. This study aims to describe the epidemiology of PNES in the Department of Veterans Affairs Healthcare System (VA), evaluate outcomes of veterans offered different treatments, and compare models of care for PNES. METHODS This electronic health record (EHR) cohort study utilizes an informatics search tool and a natural language processing algorithm to identify cases of PNES nationally. We will use VA inpatient, outpatient, pharmacy, and chart abstraction data across all 170 medical centers to identify cases in fiscal years 2002-2018. Outcome measurements such as seizure frequency, emergency room visits, hospital admissions, suicide-related behavior, and the utilization of psychotherapy prior to and after PNES diagnosis will be used to assess the effectiveness of models of care. DISCUSSION This study will describe the risk factors and course of treatment of a large cohort of people with PNES. Since PNES are cared for by a variety of different modalities, treatment orientations, and models of care, effectiveness outcomes such as seizure outcomes and utilization of emergency visits for seizures will be assessed. Outcome measurements such as seizure frequency, emergency room visits, hospital admissions, suicide-related behavior, and psychotherapy prior to and after PNES diagnosis will be used to assess the effectiveness of models of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamada Hamid Altalib
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
- Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Stephanie Argraves
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Joseph Goulet
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yarden Bornovski
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
- Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Kei-Hoi Cheung
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ebony Jackson-Shaheed
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
- Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Benjamin Tolchin
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
- Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Mary Jo Pugh
- University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Salt Lake City Veterans Healthcare System, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Nielsen G, Stone J, Buszewicz M, Carson A, Goldstein LH, Holt K, Hunter R, Marsden J, Marston L, Noble H, Reuber M, Edwards MJ. Physio4FMD: protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial of specialist physiotherapy for functional motor disorder. BMC Neurol 2019; 19:242. [PMID: 31638942 PMCID: PMC6802344 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-019-1461-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with functional motor disorder (FMD) experience persistent and disabling neurological symptoms such as weakness, tremor, dystonia and disordered gait. Physiotherapy is usually considered an important part of treatment; however, sufficiently-powered controlled studies are lacking. Here we present the protocol of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) that aims to evaluate the clinical and cost effectiveness of a specialist physiotherapy programme for FMD. METHODS/DESIGN The trial is a pragmatic, multicentre, single blind parallel arm randomised controlled trial (RCT). 264 Adults with a clinically definite diagnosis of FMD will be recruited from neurology clinics and randomised to receive either the trial intervention (a specialist physiotherapy protocol) or treatment as usual control (referral to a community physiotherapy service suitable for people with neurological symptoms). Participants will be followed up at 6 and 12 months. The primary outcome is the Physical Function domain of the Short Form 36 questionnaire at 12 months. Secondary domains of measurement will include participant perception of change, mobility, health-related quality of life, health service utilisation, anxiety and depression. Health economic analysis will evaluate the cost impact of trial and control interventions from a health and social care perspective as well as societal perspective. DISCUSSION This trial will be the first adequately-powered RCT of physical-based rehabilitation for FMD. TRIAL REGISTRATION International Standard Randomised Controlled Trials Number ISRCTN56136713 . Registered 27 March 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenn Nielsen
- Motor Control and Movement Disorders Group, Institute of Molecular and Clinical Sciences, St Georges University of London, London, UK
| | - Jon Stone
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Marta Buszewicz
- Research Department of Primary Care and Population Health, UCL, London, UK
- Priment Clinical Trials Unit, UCL, London, UK
| | - Alan Carson
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Laura H. Goldstein
- King’s College London, Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, De Crespigny Park, London, UK
| | - Kate Holt
- Motor Control and Movement Disorders Group, Institute of Molecular and Clinical Sciences, St Georges University of London, London, UK
| | - Rachael Hunter
- Research Department of Primary Care and Population Health, UCL, London, UK
- Priment Clinical Trials Unit, UCL, London, UK
| | - Jonathan Marsden
- School of Health Professions, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Louise Marston
- Research Department of Primary Care and Population Health, UCL, London, UK
- Priment Clinical Trials Unit, UCL, London, UK
| | - Hayley Noble
- Motor Control and Movement Disorders Group, Institute of Molecular and Clinical Sciences, St Georges University of London, London, UK
| | - Markus Reuber
- Academic Neurology Unit, University of Sheffield, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, UK
| | - Mark J. Edwards
- Motor Control and Movement Disorders Group, Institute of Molecular and Clinical Sciences, St Georges University of London, London, UK
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Goldstein LH, Robinson EJ, Reuber M, Chalder T, Callaghan H, Eastwood C, Landau S, McCrone P, Medford N, Mellers JDC, Moore M, Mosweu I, Murray J, Perdue I, Pilecka I, Richardson MP, Carson A, Stone J. Characteristics of 698 patients with dissociative seizures: A UK multicenter study. Epilepsia 2019; 60:2182-2193. [PMID: 31608436 PMCID: PMC6899659 DOI: 10.1111/epi.16350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Objective We aimed to characterize the demographics of adults with dissociative (nonepileptic) seizures, placing emphasis on distribution of age at onset, male:female ratio, levels of deprivation, and dissociative seizure semiology. Methods We collected demographic and clinical data from 698 adults with dissociative seizures recruited to the screening phase of the CODES (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy vs Standardised Medical Care for Adults With Dissociative Non‐Epileptic Seizures) trial from 27 neurology/specialist epilepsy clinics in the UK. We described the cohort in terms of age, age at onset of dissociative seizures, duration of seizure disorder, level of socioeconomic deprivation, and other social and clinical demographic characteristics and their associations. Results In what is, to date, the largest study of adults with dissociative seizures, the overall modal age at dissociative seizure onset was 19 years; median age at onset was 28 years. Although 74% of the sample was female, importantly the male:female ratio varied with age at onset, with 77% of female but only 59% of male participants developing dissociative seizures by the age of 40 years. The frequency of self‐reported previous epilepsy was 27%; nearly half of these epilepsy diagnoses were retrospectively considered erroneous by clinicians. Patients with predominantly hyperkinetic dissociative seizures had a shorter disorder duration prior to diagnosis in this study than patients with hypokinetic seizures (P < .001); dissociative seizure type was not associated with gender. Predominantly hyperkinetic seizures were most commonly seen in patients with symptom onset in their late teens. Thirty percent of the sample reported taking antiepileptic drugs; this was more common in men. More than 50% of the sample lived in areas characterized by the highest levels of deprivation, and more than two‐thirds were unemployed. Significance Females with dissociative seizures were more common at all ages, whereas the proportion of males increased with age at onset. This disorder was associated with socioeconomic deprivation. Those with hypokinetic dissociative seizures may be at risk for delayed diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura H Goldstein
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Emily J Robinson
- School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Markus Reuber
- Academic Neurology Unit, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Trudie Chalder
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Hannah Callaghan
- UK Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Carole Eastwood
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Sabine Landau
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Paul McCrone
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Nick Medford
- South London and Maudsley National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - John D C Mellers
- South London and Maudsley National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Michele Moore
- Centre for Social Justice and Global Responsibility, School of Law and Social Sciences, London South Bank University, London, UK
| | - Iris Mosweu
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Joanna Murray
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Iain Perdue
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Izabela Pilecka
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Mark P Richardson
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Alan Carson
- UK Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jon Stone
- UK Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This article provides a broad overview of conversion disorder, encompassing diagnostic criteria, epidemiology, etiologic theories, functional neuroimaging findings, outcome data, prognostic indicators, and treatment. RECENT FINDINGS Two important changes have been made to the recent Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) diagnostic criteria: the criteria that conversion symptoms must be shown to be involuntary and occurring as the consequence of a recent stressor have been dropped. Outcome studies show that the rate of misdiagnosis has declined precipitously since the 1970s and is now around 4%. Functional neuroimaging has revealed a fairly consistent pattern of hypoactivation in brain regions linked to the specific conversion symptom, accompanied by ancillary activations in limbic, paralimbic, and basal ganglia structures. Cognitive-behavioral therapy looks promising as the psychological treatment of choice, although more definitive data are still awaited, while preliminary evidence indicates that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation could prove beneficial as well. SUMMARY Symptoms of conversion are common in neurologic and psychiatric settings, affecting up to 20% of patients. The full syndrome of conversion disorder, while less prevalent, is associated with a guarded prognosis and a troubled psychosocial outcome. Much remains uncertain with respect to etiology, although advances in neuroscience and technology are providing reproducible findings and new insights. Given the confidence with which the diagnosis can be made, treatment should not be delayed, as symptom longevity can influence outcome.
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Tolchin B, Martino S, Hirsch LJ. Pathophysiology of Psychogenic Nonepileptic Attacks-Reply. JAMA 2019; 322:1315-1316. [PMID: 31573635 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2019.11509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Tolchin
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Steve Martino
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Lawrence J Hirsch
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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Rawlings GH, Perdue I, Goldstein LH, Carson AJ, Stone J, Reuber M. Neurologists' experiences of participating in the CODES study-A multicentre randomised controlled trial comparing cognitive behavioural therapy vs standardised medical care for dissociative seizures. Seizure 2019; 71:8-12. [PMID: 31158560 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2019.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We investigated neurologists' experience of participating in the large CODES trial involving around 900 adults with dissociative seizures which subsequently evaluated the effectiveness of tailored cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) plus standardised medical care versus standardised medical care alone in 368 patients with dissociative seizures. METHOD We asked all neurologists referring patients with dissociative seizures to the CODES study to complete a 43-item online survey. This examined neurologists' (i) demographics, (ii) knowledge of dissociative seizures before and after their involvement in the CODES trial, (iii) clinical practice before, during and since their involvement, and (iv) their experience of the CODES trial. RESULTS Forty-three (51%) neurologists completed the questionnaire. Only about half of neurologists could make referrals to psychological intervention specific for dissociative seizures before and after the trial. One-third of doctors reported having changed their referral practice following their involvement. The majority (>69%) agreed that patient satisfaction with different aspects of the trial was very high, and 83.7% thought that it was easy to recruit patients for the study. Over 90% agreed they would like the treatment pathway to continue. Respondents found different elements of the trial useful, in particular, the patient factsheet booklet (98%), diagnosis communication advice (93%) and the CBT package (93%). CONCLUSIONS Neurologists participating in CODES generally found it easy to recruit patients and perceived patient satisfaction as very high. However, 46.5% of neurologists could not offer psychotherapy once the trial had finished, suggesting that problems with lack of access to psychological treatment for dissociative seizures persist.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Iain Perdue
- King's College London, Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK.
| | - Laura H Goldstein
- King's College London, Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK.
| | - Alan J Carson
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Jon Stone
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Markus Reuber
- Academic Neurology Unit, University of Sheffield, UK.
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Abstract
Functional non-epileptic attacks (FNEA) are seizure-like events occurring in the absence of epilepsy. Having had many different names over the years including dissociative convulsions and pseudo-seizures, they now fall in the borderland between neurology and psychiatry, often not accepted by either specialty. However, there is evidence that there is a high rate of psychiatric comorbidity in these patients and therefore it is likely that psychiatrists will come across patients with FNEA and they should know the broad principles of assessment and management. We have provided a clinically based overview of the evidence regarding epidemiology, risk factors, clinical features, differentiation from epilepsy, prognosis, assessment and treatment. By the end of this article, readers should be able to understand the difference between epileptic seizures and FNEA, know how to manage acute FNEA, and understand the principles of neuropsychiatric assessment and management of these patients, based on knowledge of the evidence base.
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Jordan H, Feehan S, Perdue I, Murray J, Goldstein LH. Exploring psychiatrists' perspectives of working with patients with dissociative seizures in the UK healthcare system as part of the CODES trial: a qualitative study. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e026493. [PMID: 31072856 PMCID: PMC6528023 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-026493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is currently limited research exploring healthcare professionals' (HCPs) experiences of working with patients with dissociative seizures (DS). Existing studies do not focus on the role of psychiatrists in treating this complex condition. The objective of this study was to gain an understanding of UK-based psychiatrists' experiences of the DS patient group. Against the backdrop of a UK-wide randomised controlled trial (RCT), the focus was broadened to encompass issues arising in everyday practice with the DS patient group. DESIGN, PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS A qualitative study using semistructured interviews was undertaken with 10 psychiatrists currently working with DS patients within the context of a large RCT investigating treatments for DS. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes and subthemes. SETTING The psychiatrists were working in Liaison or Neuropsychiatry services in England. RESULTS The key themes identified were other HCPs' attitudes to DS and the challenges of the DS patient group. There is a clear knowledge gap regarding DS for many HCPs and other clinical services can be reluctant to take referrals for this patient group. Important challenges posed by this patient group included avoidance (of difficult emotions and help), alexithymia and interpersonal difficulties. Difficulties with alexithymia meant DS patients could struggle to identify triggers for their seizures and to express their emotions. Interpersonal difficulties raised included difficulties in attachment with both HCPs and family members. CONCLUSIONS A knowledge gap for HCPs regarding DS has been identified and needs to be addressed to improve patient care. Given the complexity of the patient group and that clinicians from multiple disciplines will come into contact with DS patients, it is essential for any educational strategy to be implemented across the whole range of specialties, and to account for those already in practice as well as future trainees. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN05681227; NCT02325544; Pre-results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harriet Jordan
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Sarah Feehan
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Iain Perdue
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Joanna Murray
- Health Service and Population Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Laura H Goldstein
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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Schmidt U, Vermetten E. Integrating NIMH Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) into PTSD Research. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2019; 38:69-91. [PMID: 28341942 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2017_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Three and a half decades of research on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has produced substantial knowledge on the pathobiology of this frequent and debilitating disease. However, despite all research efforts, so far no drug that has specifically targeted PTSD core symptoms progressed to clinical use. Instead, although not overly efficient, serotonin re-uptake inhibitors continue to be considered the gold standard of PTSD pharmacotherapy. The psychotherapeutic treatment and symptom-oriented drug therapy options available for PTSD treatment today show some efficacy, although not in all PTSD patients, in particular not in a substantial percent of those suffering from the detrimental sequelae of repeated childhood trauma or in veterans with combat related PTSD. PTSD has this in common with other psychiatric disorders - in particular effective treatment for incapacitating conditions such as resistant major depression, chronic schizophrenia, and frequently relapsing obsessive-compulsive disorder as well as dementia has not yet been developed through modern neuropsychiatric research.In response to this conundrum, the National Institute of Mental Health launched the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) framework which aims to leave diagnosis-oriented psychiatric research behind and to move on to the use of research domains overarching the traditional diagnosis systems. To the best of our knowledge, the paper at hand is the first that has systematically assessed the utility of the RDoC system for PTSD research. Here, we review core findings in neurobiological PTSD research and match them to the RDoC research domains and units of analysis. Our synthesis reveals that several core findings in PTSD such as amygdala overactivity have been linked to all RDoC domains without further specification of their distinct role in the pathophysiological pathways associated with these domains. This circumstance indicates that the elucidation of the cellular and molecular processes ultimately decisive for regulation of psychic processes and for the expression of psychopathological symptoms is still grossly incomplete. All in all, we find the RDoC research domains to be useful but not sufficient for PTSD research. Hence, we suggest adding two novel domains, namely stress and emotional regulation and maintenance of consciousness. As both of these domains play a role in various if not in all psychiatric diseases, we judge them to be useful not only for PTSD research but also for psychiatric research in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Schmidt
- Trauma Outpatient Unit and RG Molecular Psychotraumatology, Clinical Department, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstrasse 10, Munich, 80804, Germany
| | - Eric Vermetten
- Department Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center Utrecht, Albinusdreef 2, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands.
- Arq Psychotruama Research Group, Diemen, The Netherlands.
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Tolchin B, Baslet G, Suzuki J, Martino S, Blumenfeld H, Hirsch LJ, Altalib H, Dworetzky BA. Randomized controlled trial of motivational interviewing for psychogenic nonepileptic seizures. Epilepsia 2019; 60:986-995. [DOI: 10.1111/epi.14728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Tolchin
- Department of NeurologyComprehensive Epilepsy CenterYale University School of Medicine New Haven Connecticut
- Epilepsy Center of Excellence, Neurology ServiceVeterans Administration Connecticut Healthcare System West Haven Connecticut
- Department of NeurologyBrigham and Women's HospitalHarvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts
| | - Gaston Baslet
- Department of PsychiatryBrigham and Women's HospitalHarvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts
| | - Joji Suzuki
- Department of PsychiatryBrigham and Women's HospitalHarvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts
| | - Steve Martino
- Department of PsychiatryYale University School of Medicine New Haven Connecticut
- Psychology ServiceVeterans Administration Connecticut Healthcare System West Haven Connecticut
| | - Hal Blumenfeld
- Department of NeurologyComprehensive Epilepsy CenterYale University School of Medicine New Haven Connecticut
| | - Lawrence J. Hirsch
- Department of NeurologyComprehensive Epilepsy CenterYale University School of Medicine New Haven Connecticut
| | - Hamada Altalib
- Department of NeurologyComprehensive Epilepsy CenterYale University School of Medicine New Haven Connecticut
- Epilepsy Center of Excellence, Neurology ServiceVeterans Administration Connecticut Healthcare System West Haven Connecticut
- Department of PsychiatryYale University School of Medicine New Haven Connecticut
| | - Barbara A. Dworetzky
- Department of NeurologyBrigham and Women's HospitalHarvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review addresses the scope, evaluation, treatments, and outcomes of patients with nonepileptic episodic events with a focus on psychogenic nonepileptic seizures. Differentiation of the types of events, including a review of terminology, is included, as well as a brief review of special patient populations with these disorders. RECENT FINDINGS There are continued efforts to develop tools to improve the diagnosis of these disorders. A thorough evaluation with trained personnel and physicians knowledgeable in the assessment and treatment of these disorders is important. Although inpatient video-EEG monitoring in an epilepsy monitoring unit remains the gold standard for diagnosis, the assessment of clinical and historical factors is critical and can be useful in expediting the process and improving diagnostic certainty. International efforts have recently assisted in providing guidelines for the evaluation of the psychogenic disorders and may help target educational and other resources to underserved areas. SUMMARY The prompt and accurate diagnosis of nonepileptic episodic events and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures is possible with current technology, and the appropriate and targeted use of evidence-based treatments may help improve patient quality of life and avoid unnecessary disability in patients with these disorders.
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Rockliffe-Fidler C, Willis M. Explaining dissociative seizures: a neuropsychological perspective. Pract Neurol 2019; 19:259-263. [PMID: 30755460 DOI: 10.1136/practneurol-2018-002100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Dissociative seizures are common in routine neurological practice and cause considerable morbidity. However, explaining such episodes to patients is rarely straightforward. Taking a neuropsychological perspective, we present a strategy for communicating this diagnosis to both patients and families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Rockliffe-Fidler
- Department of Clinical Psychology, North Monmouthshire CMHT, Maindiff Court Hospital, Abergavenny, UK
| | - Mark Willis
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
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