Date of Award
2016
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology
Specialization
Behavioral Science
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Lisa L. Harlow
Abstract
There is a paucity of literature concerning seizure clusters for patients who suffer from psychogenic, non-epileptic seizures (PNES). The purpose of the present study is threefold. Manuscript one will explore how seizure clusters may be defined for patients with PNES using both statistical and traditional approaches of cluster identification. Manuscript two will examine seizure clusters as a primary outcome in patients receiving treatment for PNES. Cluster reduction is examined longitudinally using traditional and statistical definitions of seizure cluster for patients. Possible risk factors for clustering will also be examined along with clustering as a risk factor for poorer secondary outcomes. Last, research is presently lacking concerning how to describe and explain seizure clusters in patients with PNES. Manuscript three will explore how clusters have been defined so far in both the epilepsy and PNES literatures. In addition, theories as to why seizures cluster for patients with PNES will also be considered. The aim of these studies is to provide a foundation from which research and theory on seizure cluster definition and explanation may be advanced for patient with PNES.
Recommended Citation
Baird, Grayson Luderman, "Seizure Clusters in Patients with Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures" (2016). Open Access Dissertations. Paper 421.
https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/oa_diss/421
Terms of Use
All rights reserved under copyright.