The psychological impact of a newly diagnosed seizure: losing and restoring perceived control.
This study aimed to characterize the process of psychosocial adjustment following a newly diagnosed seizure. Eighty-five adult patients were assessed 1 and 3 months after a first seizure presentation with a purpose-developed semistructured interview, the NEWQOL, and the COPE. Among a broad range of patient concerns, psychological issues were paramount, representing a process of losing and restoring perceived control. Two psychological adjustment trajectories were identified, which hinged on the experience of a limited (n=37) or pervasive (n=48) loss of control. These adjustment trajectories were predicted by demographic and clinical factors. The pervasive group described a more extensive process of reevaluation, leading to an improved sense of self at 3 months. Pervasive loss of control, anxiety, and depression predicted subsequent seizure recurrence. Overall, a first seizure can trigger a complex adjustment process, which might require therapeutic management in some patients.
Velissaris
Sarah L
SL
School of Behavioural Science, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia. s.velissaris@pgrad.unimelb.edu.au
Wilson
Sarah J
SJ
Saling
Michael M
MM
Newton
Mark R
MR
Berkovic
Samuel F
SF
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D012008:Recurrence; D012640:Seizures / Q000523:psychology*; D012917:Social Adjustment