Biopsychosocial predictors of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures.

Background: Previous studies have identified numerous biological, psychological and social characteristics of persons with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) however the strength of many of these factors have not been evaluated to determine which are predictive of the diagnosis compared to those that may only be stereotypes with limited clinical utility.

Method: A retrospective chart review of persons admitted to our epilepsy monitoring unit over a 6-year period was conducted to examine predictors of a video-EEG confirmed PNES diagnosis.

Results: A total of 689 patients had events leading to a diagnosis, 47% (n=324) with PNES only, 12% (n=84) with PNES & Epilepsy and 41% (n=281) with Epilepsy only.

The impact of marital status on epilepsy-related health concerns.

Social support from marriage has been linked with better health outcomes. Persons with epilepsy (PWE) are significantly less likely to be married than persons without epilepsy. No previous studies have examined the impact of marriage on epilepsy-related health concerns.

The impact of marriage and social support on persons with active epilepsy.

Persons with epilepsy (PWE) are more likely to report never being married than those without epilepsy. Social support, especially from marriage, may buffer the negative impact of stressful events and chronic health conditions. In 2005, sixteen U.

Is it time to consider cognitive behavioral therapy for persons with epilepsy? Clues from pathophysiology, treatment and functional neuroimaging.

Depression is common in neurological conditions. Patients with epilepsy are significantly more likely to have depression than the general population. However, no published studies have examined the effects of antidepressants and psychotherapy on the brain in patients with epilepsy.

The impact of social support on health related quality of life in persons with epilepsy.

Previous studies have found that psychosocial factors have the greatest impact on health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Social support can buffer the negative impact of stressful events and chronic health conditions. To date, no population studies have examined the association between social support and epilepsy.

Serious psychological distress among persons with epilepsy based on the 2005 California Health Interview Survey.

Purpose: To compare the prevalence of self-reported serious psychological distress using the Kessler 6 (K6) in persons with a history of epilepsy (PWE) to those without epilepsy from a population-based survey.

Methods: Data were analyzed from adults aged >or=18 years (n = 43,020) who participated in the 2005 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS).

Results: California adults with a history of epilepsy, after controlling for demographics and comorbidities, reported higher rates of feeling nervous [odds ratio (OR) 2.

Serious psychological distress and health outcomes for persons with epilepsy in poverty.

Epidemiology literature demonstrates socioeconomic status as an important variable for outcomes in persons with epilepsy. However, no previous studies have analyzed the association between poverty and epilepsy in the United States. Forty-one percent (246/604) of persons with a history of epilepsy (PWHE) in the 2005 California Health Interview Survey (n=43,020) had an annual income <200% Federal Poverty Level (FPL), adjusted lifetime prevalence rate 0.

Comorbidity, health screening, and quality of life among persons with a history of epilepsy.

Previous population surveys outside the United States have found an increased prevalence of comorbid conditions in persons with epilepsy. However, the effect of comorbid conditions on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has not been previously examined in the epilepsy literature from the United States. Results from the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) indicate an increased prevalence of comorbid conditions in persons with a history of epilepsy compared to those without epilepsy.

A comprehensive review of the psychological effects of brainwave entrainment.

Objective: Brainwave entrainment (BWE), which uses rhythmic stimuli to alter brainwave frequency and thus brain states, has been investigated and used since the late 1800s, yet many clinicians and scientists are unaware of its existence. We aim to raise awareness and discuss its potential by presenting a systematic review of the literature from peer-reviewed journals on the psychological effects of BWE.

Data Sources: Terms used to describe BWE and psychological outcomes were used to search English language studies from OVID Medline (1950-2007), PsychInfo (1806-2007), and Scopus.

A health literacy assessment of the National Epilepsy Foundation Web site.

Health literacy is defined as the degree to which individuals can obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions. Based on the 2003 US National Assessment of Adult Literacy (NAAL), more than 90 million people have literacy levels rated as "basic" or "below basic." The Institute of Medicine recommends that health-related information be written at a sixth grade level or below.