title: Understanding patient perceptions following a psycho-educational intervention for psychogenic non-epileptic seizures.
abstract: This study formed part of an evaluation of a brief educational intervention for patients with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES). The sessions provide information, seizure control techniques and management planning. The qualitative component of the research reported here aimed to provide insight into the participants' perceptions following the intervention. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve patients. Interviews were tape-recorded, transcribed and analyzed, using principles of thematic analysis. Six key themes were identified: getting answers; understanding the link with emotions; seeking a physiological explanation; doubting the diagnosis; the role of medication; and finding a way forward. The findings highlight considerable individual variation in response, with evidence of changed perceptions or enhanced understanding in some patients while others continued to seek answers or explanations about the cause of their seizures. There were no clear links between reported improved understanding or acceptance of the diagnosis and a perceived improvement in the condition.
authors.affiliation: School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK. s.k.baxter@sheffield.ac.uk
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Baxter
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mayor
authors.forename: Wendy
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Baird
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: Hannah
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Cock
authors.forename: Stephanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Howlett
authors.forename: Allan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: House
authors.forename: Josie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Messina
authors.forename: Phil
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Markus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Reuber
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D032882:Comprehension; D003291:Conversion Disorder / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010465:Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D011602:Psychophysiologic Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012640:Seizures / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D055815:Young Adult