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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Wardrope A, Wong S, McLaughlan J, Wolfe M, Oto M, Reuber M. Peri‐ictal responsiveness to the social environment is greater in psychogenic nonepileptic than epileptic seizures. Epilepsia 2020; 61:758-765. [DOI: 10.1111/epi.16471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alistair Wardrope
- Sheffield Teaching Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust Royal Hallamshire Hospital Sheffield UK
| | - Siew Wong
- Sheffield Teaching Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust Royal Hallamshire Hospital Sheffield UK
| | | | - Maytal Wolfe
- William Quarrier Scottish Epilepsy Centre Glasgow UK
| | - Maria Oto
- William Quarrier Scottish Epilepsy Centre Glasgow UK
| | - Markus Reuber
- Sheffield Teaching Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust Royal Hallamshire Hospital Sheffield UK
- Academic Neurology Unit University of Sheffield Royal Hallamshire Hospital Sheffield UK
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Joos A, Halmer R, Leiprecht N, Schörner K, Lahmann C, Blahak C. [Functional neurological disorders: update and example of integrated inpatient treatment including mirror therapy]. DER NERVENARZT 2020; 91:252-256. [PMID: 31690969 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-019-00827-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A Joos
- Zentrum für Psychische Erkrankungen, Klinik für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Freiburg, Freiburg, Deutschland.
- Psychotherapeutische Neurologie, Kliniken Schmieder, Gailingen, Deutschland.
| | - R Halmer
- Psychotherapeutische Neurologie, Kliniken Schmieder, Gailingen, Deutschland
| | - N Leiprecht
- Psychotherapeutische Neurologie, Kliniken Schmieder, Gailingen, Deutschland
| | - K Schörner
- Psychotherapeutische Neurologie, Kliniken Schmieder, Gailingen, Deutschland
| | - C Lahmann
- Zentrum für Psychische Erkrankungen, Klinik für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Freiburg, Freiburg, Deutschland
| | - C Blahak
- Klinik für Neurologie und Neurogeriatrie, Ortenau-Klinikum Lahr-Ettenheim, Lahr, Deutschland
- Neurologische Klinik, UniversitätsMedizin Mannheim, Universität Heidelberg, Mannheim, Deutschland
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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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Natural history of patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures. Seizure 2019; 66:22-25. [PMID: 30772644 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2019.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate the long-term outcome of patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES), who never visited a psychologist and never received a proper therapy for their condition (due to lack of resources). We also aimed to investigate factors potentially associated with the outcome in these patients. METHODS We studied all patients with PNES, who were admitted to the epilepsy monitoring unit at the Shiraz Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, from 2008 until 2013. In a phone call interview to the patients in November and December 2018, we obtained the following information: seizure outcome, history of receiving any psychotherapy after confirming their diagnosis at referral, and finally, their current marital status, education, and employment status. RESULTS 69 patients had the inclusion criteria. Thirty-six patients (52%) were seizure-free during the past 12 months, but 33 (48%) still suffer from seizures. The only variable (at diagnosis), which was significantly associated with their outcome, was duration of their condition before they received a definite diagnosis. CONCLUSION More than half of the patients with untreated PNES may become free of seizures after they receive a definite diagnosis and with the passage of time. Longer duration of PNES before the patients received a definite diagnosis may affect their long-term outcome.
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Asadi-Pooya AA, Ziyaee F. Outcome of patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures with limited resources: A longitudinal study. Seizure 2018; 59:1-4. [PMID: 29709720 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2018.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Revised: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of the current study was to investigate the long-term outcome of patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) and factors potentially associated with their outcome in Iran. METHODS We investigated all patients with PNES admitted to the epilepsy monitoring unit at the Shiraz Comprehensive Epilepsy Center from 2008 through 2013. Patients included in this study had a confirmed diagnosis of PNES. In a phone call interview to the patients in December 2017, we obtained the following information: seizure outcome (seizure-free during the past 12 months or not), history of receiving any psychotherapy after confirming their diagnosis in the past, and number of psychotherapy sessions the patient had received. RESULTS Eighty-six patients (54 females and 32 males) met the inclusion criteria. Seventy-four (86%) patients did not receive appropriate psychotherapy. Forty-seven (54.7%) patients were seizure-free during the past 12 months. Age at onset (P = 0.02), education (P = 0.01), and taking psychiatric drugs (P = 0.007) were associated with this outcome. CONCLUSIONS Resources to treat patients with PNES are limited in Iran; however, more than half of the patients became free of seizures. Lower education, comorbid psychiatric problems, and a later age at the onset of seizures may affect the seizure outcome in patients with PNES. Well-designed multi-center cross-cultural long-term studies should address factors associated with outcome in patients with PNES, considering that seizure frequency should not be the only outcome measure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali A Asadi-Pooya
- Neurosciences Research Center, Shiraz Medical School, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Jefferson Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Fateme Ziyaee
- Neurosciences Research Center, Shiraz Medical School, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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