Correlates of health-related quality of life in youth with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures. (December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Flewelling, Kassie D.; Koehler, Angelina; Shaffer, Jonathan; Dill, Edward J.
• Is Part Of: Seizure. Volume 83(2020)
• Page Start: 203
• Page End: 207
• Publication Date: 2020-12
• Subjects: Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures -- Health-related quality of life -- Seizure frequency -- Psychological functioning -- Pediatric; Epilepsy -- Periodicals; Epilepsy -- Periodicals; Seizures -- Periodicals; Épilepsie -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; Electronic journals; 616.853
• DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2020.09.030
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1059-1311

Abstract

Highlights: Parent proxy-report of anxiety and depression were related to parent reported HRQoL. Self-reported depression, but not anxiety, was related to self-report of HRQoL. Somatic complaints, social problems and seizure frequency were not related to HRQoL. Interventions focused on internalizing symptoms may be useful in improving HRQoL. Abstract: Background: Few studies have examined factors associated with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in youth with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES). In adults, internalizing symptoms such as depression have been shown to be more closely associated with HRQoL than seizure frequency, however, this has not been studied in samples of youth. Investigations into these areas are needed in order to enhance our understanding of the impact of this condition on children and adolescents and inform future clinical intervention. Methods: The current study includes 37 youth and one of their parents who attended a clinic visit for treatment of PNES. Children and parents completed measures of psychological functioning, and medical data were extracted from patient charts. Results: Parent-reported anxiety ( B =-0.45, p = 0.05) and depression ( B =-0.60, p = 0.01) were related to parent-report of HRQoL; self-report of depression was related to self-reported HRQoL ( B =-0.90, p < 0.001). Seizure frequency, somatic complaints, and social problems were not related to HRQoL in this sample. Conclusions: Internalizing symptoms, not seizure frequency, are associated with poorer overall functioning in youth with PNES. Interventions focused on improving anxiety and depression in addition to seizure cessation may contribute to improved HRQoL in youth with PNES more so than those focused on seizure cessation alone.