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Psychological inflexibility and somatization in nonepileptic attack disorder
Tasha Cullingham1, Antonia Kirkby2, Fiona J R Eccles1
1Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YW, UK.
Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B
|June 21, 2020
Summary
Psychological inflexibility, including experiential avoidance and cognitive fusion, is linked to increased somatization and impact in nonepileptic attack disorder (NEAD). Lower mindfulness predicts greater somatization, which in turn predicts higher NEAD frequency.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Neuroscience
Background:
- Nonepileptic attack disorder (NEAD) lacks clear understanding regarding its causes, maintenance, and effective psychological therapies.
- Psychological inflexibility, encompassing experiential avoidance (EA) and cognitive fusion (CF), is explored in relation to NEAD outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationships between psychological inflexibility variables (EA, CF, mindfulness) and key NEAD outcomes (somatization, life impact, NEA frequency).
Main Methods:
- 285 individuals with NEAD completed online validated measures.
- Linear regression analyzed predictors of somatization and life impact.
- Ordinal regression examined variables related to NEA frequency.
Main Results:
- Mindfulness, EA, CF, somatization, and life impact were significantly correlated.
- Mindfulness uniquely predicted somatization; higher somatization increased NEA odds.
- Greater perceived life impact correlated with more NEAs, somatic complaints, and EA.
Conclusions:
- Higher CF and EA relate to lower mindfulness, predicting increased somatization.
- Somatization predicts NEAD frequency; interventions targeting avoidance and enhancing mindfulness may benefit NEAD patients.
- Further research is recommended due to the indicated need for more study.
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