Using FANI to Explore Non-Epileptic Attack Disorder
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Using Free Association Narrative Interviews (FANI) to Explore Non-Epileptic Attack Disorder (NEAD): A Feasibility Study
IRAS ID
177441
Contact name
Markus Reuber
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Sheffield
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 2 months, days
Research summary
In this feasibility study, patients with a clinical diagnosis of nonepileptic attack disorder will talk to a researcher using the Free Association Narrative Interview (FANI) method to tell us more about their lives, their disorder and how they have experienced it. A key characteristic of the FANI method is repeat, in-depth interviews with each participant which are primarily biographical-narrative and which draw on free association principles. The first interview is open and very much participant-led in order to minimise the likelihood of the researcher imposing their own preconceptions on the emerging narrative. In subsequent interviews, a topic guide based on the first interview is used, including the themes to be covered. These interviews are more structured than the first to ensure all identified areas are addressed. The overall aim is to produce narratives of lives rather than responses to questions.
In this study we will recruit 6 participants with a recent diagnosis of NEAD who have not yet received psychological therapy for their disorder. Initial contact with potential participants will be made by the neurologists who has made the diagnosis of NEAD. The neurologists will seek verbal permission to contact the patient by telephone or email to discuss participation in the study with them and to obtain informed consent if they do.
Participants in the project will be interviewed using the FANI method on three separate occasions. The interviews will be audio-recorded and transcribed. The content of the first and second interviews will be used to inform the development of the narrative conversation in the second and third interviews. The interviews will be analyzed all members of the research team.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Bradford Leeds Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/YH/0268
Date of REC Opinion
26 Jun 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion