Living with Functional Seizures and Epilepsy
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the Experience of People Living with Functional Seizures and Epilepsy: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
IRAS ID
350758
Contact name
Fiona Eccles
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Lancaster University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
NA, NA
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Epilepsy is a neurological condition that can cause seizures due to electrical activity in the brain. Functional seizures on the other hand, are similar to those caused by epilepsy; however, are due to changes in functioning of the brain and nervous system, as opposed to its structure. Both types of seizures can make doing day-to-day activities, difficult; for example, cooking, cleaning, working and driving.
Differentiating between the two can be especially difficult, with some people experiencing both. People experiencing functional seizures or epilepsy have been found to experience feelings of low mood, anxiety and thoughts of suicide. People who experience functional seizures however, have been found to experience these feelings more than people with epilepsy.
Quantitative research has compared individuals’ experiences of living with epilepsy versus functional seizures. However, currently no qualitative studies have been undertaken exploring a person’s experience of living with both types of seizure. This study will therefore, interview people who experience both epilepsy and functional seizures. This research will increase understanding around living with both seizure types, which seizure community people feel most part of (or both), and inform appropriate psychological support.
The thesis will be submitted as part of my doctorate in clinical psychology.REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/PR/0618
Date of REC Opinion
3 Jun 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion