The effects of repetitive thoughts in chronic seizure disorders
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The effects of repetitive thoughts, and feelings in people with chronic seizure disorders
IRAS ID
203578
Contact name
Sean Walsh
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 27 days
Research summary
Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) appear similar to epileptic seizures, but are not caused by abnormal electrical activity within the brain and are likely to result from psychological processes. The main aim of the study is to explore whether patients with PNES show repetitive patterns of thinking (e.g. worrying or ruminating upon things) and if this relates to the frequency of their seizures. The secondary aims are to explore whether patients with PNES show a fearful response to their seizures and avoidant behaviour in response to this (e.g. avoiding activities for fear of having a seizure). The research would help to develop understanding of the different psychological processes that might be involved in maintaining PNES. Research in this field will help improve existing psychological treatments, or identify new interventions for PNES.
The study will be conducted at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield. The experiment is expected to take 45-60 minutes to complete and will consist of two parts. In the first part, participants will be asked to identify the colour of words in a computerised task. In the second part, participants will be asked to complete some questionnaires focusing upon repetitive thinking, mood and thoughts regarding seizures.REC name
East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 2
REC reference
16/ES/0060
Date of REC Opinion
18 May 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion