CBT-based group therapy intervention for nonepileptic attacks and other functional neurological symptoms: a pilot...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Psychology

Background:

• Nonepileptic attacks (NEAs) and functional neurological symptoms (FNSs) are prevalent and disabling conditions.
• Limited treatment options and trials exist for NEAs and FNSs.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) shows preliminary efficacy, with group-based formats offering potential cost-effectiveness and improved delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of a CBT-based group therapy intervention for patients diagnosed with NEAs and other FNSs.
• To assess the impact of this intervention on quality of life and emotional well-being.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study involving an information and management intervention within a neuropsychiatry service.
• Weekly CBT-based group therapy sessions were provided to 16 patients (10 with NEAs).
• Outcomes were measured using the SF-36, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements were observed in the 'emotional well-being' (p=0.04) and 'role limitation due to emotional well-being' (p=0.04) subscores of the SF-36.
• Overall quality of life, anxiety, and depression scores did not reach statistical significance.
• A positive mean CGI improvement score (2.4) indicated minimal-to-considerable improvement.

Conclusions:

• CBT-based group therapy is a feasible treatment option for managing NEAs and FNSs.
• The intervention demonstrated significant benefits in emotional aspects of quality of life.
• Further research with larger sample sizes is warranted to confirm these findings.