Predictors of 6-month and 3-year outcomes after psychological intervention for psychogenic non epileptic seizures

Duncan, R., Anderson, J., Cullen, B. and Meldrum, S. (2016) Predictors of 6-month and 3-year outcomes after psychological intervention for psychogenic non epileptic seizures. Seizure, 36, pp. 22-26. (doi: 10.1016/j.seizure.2015.12.016) (PMID:26874857)

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Abstract

Purpose: To determine outcome and its predictors following psychological intervention in people with Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES) Methods: Prospective audit of 89 consecutive patients. PNES were recorded at baseline (initial psychology appointment), at 6 months and 3 years post the initial appointment. Six-month data was obtained by face-to-face interview, while 3-year data was obtained by contacting general practitioners and by postal survey. Results: Eight patients had stopped having PNES at the first appointment and were discharged. At 6-month follow up 43/81 patients (53.1%) were free of seizures. Predictors of cessation of seizures were: patient employed (OR 4.48, p=0.004), short waiting time for intervention (OR 0.94, p=0.018), the patient feeling they had some control over the seizures (OR 3.30, p=0.021), and an internal locus of control ((OR 7.46, p=0.001). Outcomes at 3 years based on patient report were available in 32/81 patients (36%). 11/32 patients reported being free of seizures. 50/65 patients were not accessing any healthcare for seizures. There were no significant predictors of either outcome among the variables collected. Conclusion: Just over half of our patients reported being free of seizures following intervention. Being employed predicted good outcome, but the best predictor of being seizure free at 6 months was having an internal locus of control. This may be useful practically and requires further study. No good predictors of long-term outcome were found, possibly because of loss to follow up.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Cullen, Dr Breda and Meldrum, Dr Steven and Error, Mr Roderick
Authors: Duncan, R., Anderson, J., Cullen, B., and Meldrum, S.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
Journal Name:Seizure
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:1059-1311
ISSN (Online):1532-2688
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2016 Elsevier
First Published:First published in Seizure 36:22-26
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher.

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