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Staton A, Dawson D, Merdian H, Tickle A, Walker T. Functional neurological disorder: A qualitative study exploring individuals' experiences of psychological services. Psychol Psychother 2024; 97:138-156. [PMID: 37800641 DOI: 10.1111/papt.12504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Individuals with a diagnosis of FND report experiencing stigma in medical settings, however, there is a paucity of research exploring their experiences in psychological services. The aim of this research was to explore experiences of accessing UK psychological services, from the perspective of those with FND. METHODS This study utilised a qualitative approach with data collected from semi-structured interviews (n = 15) and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS One superordinate theme, 'the stigmatised self within the therapeutic relationship', and five interrelated subthemes were identified: 'internalised stigma and self-doubt', 'selective disclosure to professionals', 'perceptions of psychological explanations', 'having to educate the professionals' and 'attunement and trust within the therapeutic relationship'. Positive therapeutic relationships were perceived to mitigate the impact of these perceived barriers. The conceptualisation of FND and the perception of how this was responded to by services and professionals was a central tenet throughout the related themes. CONCLUSIONS Intra-personal, interpersonal and organisational stigma impact access and engagement to psychological treatment. The findings of this study highlight the need for increased training provision for practitioners with a focus on actively challenging FND stigma within services at both an individual and systemic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia Staton
- University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | | | | | | | - Tammy Walker
- Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Loughborough, UK
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Sireci F, Moretti V, Cavallieri F, Ferrari S, Minardi V, Ferrari F, Balestra GL, Ghirotto L, Valzania F. "Somewhere Between an Actual Disease and a Disease": A Grounded Theory Study on Diagnosing Functional Neurological Disorders From a Multi-Informant Perspective. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2023:10497323231216346. [PMID: 38031806 DOI: 10.1177/10497323231216346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Functional Neurological Disorders are characterized by sensory-motor or cognitive symptoms. Recent research has revealed their complex nature involving biological, psychological, and social factors. Care requires a multidisciplinary approach, which, to date, has yet to be considered. A Constructivist Grounded Theory study was conducted to understand the reasons behind this, exploring Functional Neurological Disorders diagnosis, communication, and understanding from multiple perspectives (patients and healthcare professionals). The core category was "negotiating Functional Neurological Disorders meanings and care amid a dissatisfying dichotomy," with sub-categories: i) seeking to "word" the disease, ii) exposing reductionism, and iii) a pluralist vision emerging. Diagnosing and communicating Functional Neurological Disorders is a process of negotiating meanings and care that hinges on participants' diverse ontological perspectives regarding the condition. Results highlight the difficulty in finding common ground and achieving mutual understanding among the various viewpoints, creating a challenge in establishing a unified approach to Functional Neurological Disorders care. In this context, only a few healthcare professionals emphasized the potential benefits of increased integration. A shift is required from a reductionist to an integrated biopsychosocial perspective to develop a more cohesive approach. Defining a medical paradigm through dialogue with teams and patients is essential in addressing Functional Neurological Disorders effectively. Furthermore, the required interdisciplinary approach holds the potential to mitigate the dissatisfaction arising from fragmented and compartmentalized care (the "dissatisfying dichotomy") experienced by our participants. It signifies a comprehensive strategy that could address the concerns of all involved parties and enhance the overall quality of care provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Sireci
- Neurology Unit, Neuromotor & Rehabilitation Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Valentina Moretti
- Department of Mental Health and Drug Abuse, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesco Cavallieri
- Neurology Unit, Neuromotor & Rehabilitation Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Silvia Ferrari
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Department of Mental Health and Drug Abuse, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Valentina Minardi
- Neurology Unit, Neuromotor & Rehabilitation Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Francesca Ferrari
- Neurology Unit, Neuromotor & Rehabilitation Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Giulietta Luul Balestra
- Qualitative Research Unit, Scientific Directorate, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Luca Ghirotto
- Qualitative Research Unit, Scientific Directorate, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Franco Valzania
- Neurology Unit, Neuromotor & Rehabilitation Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
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Samuels T, Pretorius C. Healthcare providers' perspectives on stigma when working with people with functional seizures. Seizure 2023; 112:121-127. [PMID: 37820427 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2023.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to explore healthcare providers' (HCPs) perspectives and experiences of stigma when working with people with Functional Seizures (FS). Particular focus was given to understanding HCPs' experience and knowledge of FS, discovering the attitudes held by HCPs towards working with FS as a mental health condition, and exploring HCPs' views of how their stigma manifests towards people with FS when in an occupational setting. METHODS Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with thirteen HCPs who specialised in the diagnosis and/or treatment and management of FS. A reflexive thematic analysis was utilised to analyse the semi-structured interviews for means of identifying themes within the data. RESULTS Themes identified included those of contextual factors which indirectly influence stigma, inclusive of a lack of time and resources. HCPs additionally described having a general limited understanding of FS as a condition and becoming frustrated with their patients, which in turn fuelled a stigmatising culture. HCPs also pointed to the idea of diagnostic terms being inappropriate and adding to stigma. HCPs' personal stigma as well as institutionalised stigma were identified. The HCPs also reported on the negative attitudes and actions directed towards FS patients. Strategies to reduce stigma were also explored. CONCLUSION There are various ways in which HCPs' stigma towards individuals with FS can occur, both directly and indirectly. HCPs play a key role in supporting their FS patients and alleviating the effects of stigma; thus, it is important to understand their perspectives and experiences through further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tresan Samuels
- Stellenbosch University, Department of Psychology, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch
| | - Chrisma Pretorius
- Stellenbosch University, Department of Psychology, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch.
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Pevy N, Christensen H, Walker T, Reuber M. Differentiating between epileptic and functional/dissociative seizures using semantic content analysis of transcripts of routine clinic consultations. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 143:109217. [PMID: 37119579 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
The common causes of Transient Loss of Consciousness (TLOC) are syncope, epilepsy, and functional/dissociative seizures (FDS). Simple, questionnaire-based decision-making tools for non-specialists who may have to deal with TLOC (such as clinicians working in primary or emergency care) reliably differentiate between patients who have experienced syncope and those who have had one or more seizures but are more limited in their ability to differentiate between epileptic seizures and FDS. Previous conversation analysis research has demonstrated that qualitative expert analysis of how people talk to clinicians about their seizures can help distinguish between these two TLOC causes. This paper investigates whether automated language analysis - using semantic categories measured by the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) toolkit - can contribute to the distinction between epilepsy and FDS. Using patient-only talk manually transcribed from recordings of 58 routine doctor-patient clinic interactions, we compared the word frequencies for 21 semantic categories and explored the predictive performance of these categories using 5 different machine learning algorithms. Machine learning algorithms trained using the chosen semantic categories and leave-one-out cross-validation were able to predict the diagnosis with an accuracy of up to 81%. The results of this proof of principle study suggest that the analysis of semantic variables in seizure descriptions could improve clinical decision tools for patients presenting with TLOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Pevy
- Department of Neuroscience, The University of Sheffield, United Kingdom.
| | - Heidi Christensen
- Department of Computer Science, The University of Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Traci Walker
- Division of Human Communication Sciences, The University of Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Markus Reuber
- Academic Neurology Unit, University of Sheffield, United Kingdom
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Søndergaard MEJ, Lode K, Husebø SE, Dalen I, Kjosavik SR. Men's perception of information and psychological distress in the diagnostic phase of prostate cancer: a comparative mixed methods study. BMC Nurs 2022; 21:266. [PMID: 36180907 PMCID: PMC9526317 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-022-01047-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies indicate that men experience frustration and uncertainty when confronted with an elevated prostate specific antigen (PSA) test and during further diagnostics for prostate cancer. The novel Stockholm3 test is an algorithm-based test that combines plasma protein biomarkers, genetic markers and clinical variables in predicting the risk of PCa. The test was introduced in a western part of Norway as a new tool for detecting prostate cancer. This study aimed to explore and compare men's perception of information and possible experience of distress between a PSA group and a Stockholm3 group during the diagnostic phase of prostate cancer. METHODS This study is a part of the trailing research evaluating the impact of the change from PSA to Stockholm3. It is a multicenter study using a comparative mixed method design. Data were collected in a PSA group (n = 130) and a Stockholm3 group (n = 120) between 2017 and 2019. Quantitative data were collected using questionnaires and qualitative data were collected using semi-structured interviews (n = 20). The quantitative and qualitative data were analysed and compared separately and then merged in a side-by-side discussion. The study adheres to the GRAMMS guidelines for reporting mixed-methods research. RESULTS Compared with the PSA group, men in the Stockholm3 group reported that the information from the general practitioners was better. Similarly, men in the Stockholm3 group were more likely to indicate that they had received sufficient information regarding how examinations would be conducted. No differences were found between the groups regarding waiting time and distress. Three themes emerged from the qualitative analysis of the two groups: "Information affects the experience of comprehension", "Stepping into the world of the healthcare system", and "Periodically feelings of distress". CONCLUSION The Stockholm3 test may facilitate the provision of information to patients. However, some patients in both groups experienced distress and would benefit from more information and additional support from healthcare professionals. Routines that ensure sufficient information from the interdisciplinary healthcare team should be of priority during the diagnostic phase of prostate cancer in order to provide patients with predictability and to avoid unnecessary distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Elisabeth Juul Søndergaard
- Department of Surgery, Stavanger University Hospital, Postboks 8100, 4068, Stavanger, Norway. .,Research Group of Nursing and Healthcare Sciences, Stavanger University Hospital, Postboks 8100, 4068, Stavanger, Norway. .,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Kjell Arholms Hus, postboks 8600, 4036, Stavanger, Norway.
| | - Kirsten Lode
- Research Group of Nursing and Healthcare Sciences, Stavanger University Hospital, Postboks 8100, 4068, Stavanger, Norway.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Kjell Arholms Hus, postboks 8600, 4036, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Sissel Eikeland Husebø
- Department of Surgery, Stavanger University Hospital, Postboks 8100, 4068, Stavanger, Norway.,Research Group of Nursing and Healthcare Sciences, Stavanger University Hospital, Postboks 8100, 4068, Stavanger, Norway.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Kjell Arholms Hus, postboks 8600, 4036, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Ingvild Dalen
- Department of Research, Section of Biostatistics, Stavanger University Hospital, Postboks 8100, 4068, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Svein Reidar Kjosavik
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Kjell Arholms Hus, postboks 8600, 4036, Stavanger, Norway.,The General Practice and Care Coordination Research Group, Stavanger University Hospital, Postboks 8100, 4068, Stavanger, Norway
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Cobb SJ, Vaughn BV, Sagherian K. Nonpharmacologic Interventions and Seizure Frequency in Patients With Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures: An Integrative Review. J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc 2022:10783903221107637. [PMID: 35801259 DOI: 10.1177/10783903221107637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) pose a heavy burden on patients' lives and the health care system. The symptoms of PNES are often debilitating and cause high rates of disability and poor quality of life. Many treatment options are available, but there is no clear consensus on best practices. AIM To critique and synthesize the current literature on nonpharmacologic interventions and effects on seizure frequency in patients with PNES. METHODS An integrative review guided by the Whittemore and Knafl approach. RESULTS The review included 24 studies published from 2010 to 2020. Interventions for PNES included individualized psychotherapies, group therapies, multimodal psychotherapies, self-help therapies, and complementary and alternative medicine therapies. Individual psychotherapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy and psychoeducation were the most used treatment modalities. The most effective treatments for seizure frequency reduction were those that included multiple psychotherapy sessions with a health care provider and covered multiple domains (e.g., understanding of diagnosis, identifying triggers, and developing effective coping strategies). CONCLUSIONS Seizure frequency can be reduced in patients with PNES with multiple nonpharmacologic interventions. However, seizure frequency is not considered a comprehensive outcome measure and provides little insight into other important life domains. Further research is needed on nonpharmacologic interventions for PNES and effects on other areas of life such as sleep, employment status, global functioning, and self-efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra J Cobb
- Sandra J. Cobb, MSN, FNP-C, RN, REEGT, PhD in nursing candidate, University of Tennessee Knoxville, College of Nursing, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Bradley V Vaughn
- Bradley V. Vaughn, MD, Professor, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Knar Sagherian
- Knar Sagherian, PhD, RN, Assistant Professor, University of Tennessee Knoxville College of Nursing, Knoxville, TN, USA
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MacDuffie KE, Grubbs L, Best T, LaRoche S, Mildon B, Myers L, Stafford E, Rommelfanger KS. Stigma and functional neurological disorder: a research agenda targeting the clinical encounter. CNS Spectr 2020; 26:1-6. [PMID: 33267932 DOI: 10.1017/s1092852920002084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Stigma against patients with functional neurological disorder (FND) presents obstacles to diagnosis, treatment, and research. The lack of biomarkers and the potential for symptoms to be misunderstood, invalidated, or dismissed can leave patients, families, and healthcare professionals at a loss. Stigma exacerbates suffering and unmet needs of patients and families, and can result in poor clinical management and prolonged, repetitive use of healthcare resources. Our current understanding of stigma in FND comes from surveys documenting frustration experienced by providers and distressing healthcare interactions experienced by patients. However, little is known about the origins of FND stigma, its prevalence across different healthcare contexts, its impact on patient health outcomes, and optimal methods for reduction. In this paper, we set forth a research agenda directed at better understanding the prevalence and context of stigma, clarifying its impact on patients and providers, and promoting best practices for stigma reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E MacDuffie
- Department of Speech & Hearing Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- The Treuman Katz Center for Pediatric Bioethics, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Lindsey Grubbs
- Berman Institute of Bioethics, John Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Tammyjo Best
- Brain Health Center, Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Suzette LaRoche
- Department of Neurology, Emory University, Asheville, South Carolina, USA
- Epilepsy Center, The Mission Health, Asheville, South Carolina, USA
| | | | - Lorna Myers
- Northwest Regional Epilepsy Group, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Karen S Rommelfanger
- Center of Ethics Neuroethics Program, Departments of Neurology, Psychiatry, and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Catastrophising and repetitive negative thinking tendencies in patients with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures or epilepsy. Seizure 2020; 83:57-62. [PMID: 33096457 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2020.09.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Previous research suggests that catastrophisation and perseverative, or repetitive negative thinking (RNT) could play an important role in the aetiology of Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures (PNES). This study was designed to explore whether these cognitive tendencies are more prevalent in patients with PNES than those with epilepsy and to examine the relationship between these cognitions, depression, anxiety, seizure frequency and diagnosis. METHODS 26 patients with PNES (PWPNES) and 29 with epilepsy (PWE) self-reported RNT (Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire), catastrophisation tendencies (modified Safety Behaviors and Catastrophizing Scale), symptoms of anxiety (Generalised Anxiety Disorder Assessment 7) and depression (Primary Health Questionnaire 9) as well as seizure frequency. RESULTS RNT and catastrophic thinking were highly correlated with each other and more prevalent in PWPNES than PWE. Positive correlations were also found between all other self-report measures and seizure frequency. The PNES diagnosis predicted RNT (perseverative thinking) independently of catastrophic thinking, anxiety, depression and seizure frequency. CONCLUSION PWPNES exhibit greater negative perseverative and catastrophising cognitive tendencies than PWE. PNES as a diagnosis independently predicted RNT. Hence, RNT and catastrophisation should be considered as possible specific targets for psychological interventions in patients with PNES.
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Bergman K, Eli K, Osowski CP, Lövestam E, Nowicka P. Public Expressions of Trust and Distrust in Governmental Dietary Advice in Sweden. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2019; 29:1161-1173. [PMID: 30741093 DOI: 10.1177/1049732318825153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
We examine public trust and distrust in governmental food and nutrition authorities, through analyzing 727 letters sent electronically to the Swedish National Food Agency by lay people. Using thematic analysis, four themes were developed, defining public expressions of trust and distrust in official dietary advice. Trust was expressed as (a) seeking to confirm and clarify dietary advice or (b) seeking official arbitration between competing dietary advice. Distrust was expressed as (c) questioning and scrutinizing dietary advice or (d) protesting and resisting dietary advice. Notably, expressions of distrust employed discursive practices that both mirrored authoritative discourses and subverted official advice, by appealing to scientific language and "alternative" evidence. All letters positioned the agency as the ultimate authority on healthy eating; notwithstanding whether the agency's advice was to be followed or resisted. Thus, the letters revealed how the same authoritative discourses can simultaneously be a site of public trust and distrust.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karin Eli
- 2 University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Lindsay S. Five Approaches to Qualitative Comparison Groups in Health Research: A Scoping Review. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2019; 29:455-468. [PMID: 30501574 DOI: 10.1177/1049732318807208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Qualitative researchers have much to gain by using comparison groups. Although their use within qualitative health research is increasing, the guidelines surrounding them are lacking. The purpose of this article is to explore the extent to which qualitative comparison groups are being used within health research and to outline the lessons learned in using this type of methodology. Through conducting a scoping review, 31 articles were identified that demonstrated five different types of qualitative comparison groups. I highlight the key benefits and challenges in using this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Lindsay
- 1 Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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A life with seizures: Argentine patients’ perspectives about the impact of drug-resistant epilepsy on their lives. Seizure 2018; 63:52-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2018.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Revised: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
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Narrative analysis of written accounts about living with epileptic or psychogenic nonepileptic seizures. Seizure 2018; 62:59-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2018.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Revised: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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