Feasibility study of Group CBT for Dissociative/Non-epileptic Seizures
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A feasibility and acceptability study of Group-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Dissociative/Non-epileptic Seizures
IRAS ID
190277
Contact name
Matthew Wilkinson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Canterbury Christ Church University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 7 months, 1 days
Research summary
This research aims to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of a larger-scale study into Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Dissociative/Non-epileptic Seizures
Estimates on the prevalence of Dissociative/Non-epileptic Seizures (DS) (Variously known known as Psychogenic/Nonepileptic/Dissociative/Hysterical Seizures/Attacks, and ‘pseudoseizures’) suggest that they affect 1.4–33 per 100,000 (Bodde et al., 2009; Benbadis, 2000). DS's superficially appear similar to epilepsy, and are frequently misdiagnosed as such (Mellers, 2005). However, DS's can be distinguished from epilepsy by the absence of abnormal EEG readings. Due to the absence of an organic explanation, research has focused on possible psychological causes of DS's.
Existing evidence suggests that individual Cognitive Behavioural Therapy may be effective in reducing in the incidence of DCs and their associated symptoms (Reuber & Mayor, 2012). The ability to effectively deliver such an intervention in a group setting would increase efficiency of delivery, and would therefore be of considerable value. Given the clinical need for an effective group-based intervention for DCs and the existing evidence for the efficacy of CBT for DCs, there is a clear need for research exploring the efficacy of group-based CBT for DCs.
REC name
South Central - Oxford B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/SC/0130
Date of REC Opinion
20 Jun 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion