Providers' perspectives on treating psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: Frustration and hope

Katharine K. McMillan, Mary Jo Pugh, Hamada Hamid, Martin Salinsky, Jacqueline Pugh, Polly H. Noël, Erin P. Finley, Luci K. Leykum, Holly J. Lanham, W. Curt LaFrance

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

48 Scopus citations

Abstract

Recent diagnostic and treatment advances in psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) have the potential to improve care for patients, but little is known about the current state of PNES care delivery in the Veterans Health Administration (VA). We conducted semistructured interviews with 74 health-care clinicians and workers in the VA, eliciting provider perceptions of PNES care. Data were analyzed according to principles of Grounded Theory. The results revealed variation in care and two emergent domain themes of frustration and hope. Frustration was manifest in subthemes including Complexity, Patient Acceptance, Uncertainty About Treatment, Need for Evidence-based Treatment, and Failure of Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration between neurologists and mental health providers. Hope encompassed subthemes of Positive Attitudes, Developing Cross-Disciplinary Treatment, and Specific PNES Care. Increased resources for diagnosing, treating, and researching PNES have improved awareness of the disorder. More research is needed to understand patients' and caregivers' perceptions of PNES care.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)276-281
Number of pages6
JournalEpilepsy and Behavior
Volume37
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2014

Keywords

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy
  • Diagnosis
  • Nonepileptic seizures
  • Practitioners
  • Treatment
  • Veterans

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Neurology
  • Clinical Neurology
  • Behavioral Neuroscience

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