Epilepsy in adulthood: examining predictors of quality of life (v1)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Epilepsy in adulthood: examining psychosocial predictors of quality of life
IRAS ID
225288
Contact name
Cara Thompson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Staffordshire University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 29 days
Research summary
Epilepsy is a relatively common neurological condition, characterised by seizures. Individuals with epilepsy often cite additional psychological and social difficulties, in addition to physical concerns related to the condition. In people with chronic illness, it has been estimated that 20-25% have clinically significant psychological symptoms (White, 2001).
The study aims to investigate whether selected psychosocial factors predict quality of life in epilepsy. The study will examine how perceived illness threat (illness perceptions), resilience, perceived social support, time since diagnosis and perceived epilepsy severity relate to and predict quality of life.
Participants will be adults, diagnosed with epilepsy in adulthood (age 18-64) and currently accessing NHS services in relation to the epilepsy. Participants will be recruited through NHS services, specifically the epilepsy service within University Hospital North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) and Neuropsychology and Clinical Health Psychology Services within North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust (NSCHT).
Participants will be invited to anonymously complete a set of established and validated questionnaires in relation to the psychosocial factors being investigated and their quality of life, which they can then post back to the researcher. Individuals will participate only once within this study and there are no follow up points.
This study is being carried out to establish whether psychological and social factors can be supported post diagnosis, to help enhance the quality of life of individuals with epilepsy.Reference:
White, C. A. (2001). Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Chronic Medical Problems: A Guide to Assessment and Treatment in Practice. Chichester, John Wiley.REC name
HSC REC B
REC reference
17/NI/0178
Date of REC Opinion
12 Sep 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion