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Stigma in psychogenic nonepileptic seizures
Ioannis Karakis1, Nicholas J Janocko1, Matthew L Morton1
1Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B
|July 11, 2020
Summary
Patients and caregivers with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) experience significantly more stigma than those with epileptic seizures (ES). This increased stigma negatively impacts patient quality of life (QOL).
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
- Social Sciences
Background:
- Stigma associated with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) is under-researched.
- Understanding patient and caregiver stigma in PNES is crucial for improving care and support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify patient and caregiver stigma in PNES.
- To identify factors associated with stigma in PNES patients and their caregivers.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study comparing patients with PNES and their caregivers to patients with epileptic seizures (ES) and their caregivers.
- Surveys collected demographic, clinical, and psychosocial data.
- Multivariate regression analysis identified correlates of stigma.
Main Results:
- Patients with PNES reported higher stigma levels (76.5%) compared to ES patients (59.5%).
- Caregivers of PNES patients also reported higher stigma (72%) versus ES caregivers (47%).
- Patient stigma was negatively associated with quality of life (QOL) in both groups.
Conclusions:
- PNES is associated with significantly higher patient and caregiver stigma than ES.
- Patient QOL is a key factor linked to stigma in PNES.
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