Full Description
The primary aim of Treating Nonepileptic Seizures: Therapist Guide is to equip physicians, psychologists, therapists, nurses, and other practitioners with a validated, step-by-step treatment for psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (NES) that can improve the lives of patients with this disabling disorder. Patients with NES frequently present in neurology, psychiatry, psychology, and emergency departments. The disorder has been documented in the medical literature for centuries, and much is known about the phenomenology, seizure characteristics, psychiatric comorbidities, neuropsychological testing, and psychosocial aspects in NES. However, until recently, much less was known about the effective treatments of patients with psychogenic NES.
This intervention provides guidance for clinicians in treating patients with NES and is designed to be used in conjunction with the patient workbook, Taking Control of Your Seizures. Session by session, the Workbook facilitates communication between treatment providers and individual patients with seizures. The authors' clinical experience with epilepsy and NES and research in developing the treatment approach for seizures directly informed the treatment model described. Many patients treated with the intervention have demonstrated improvements in seizures, symptoms, and quality of life.
Contents
Contents ; Chapter 1. Introductory Information for Therapists ; Chapter 2. Introduction Session: Understanding Seizures ; Chapter 3. Making the Decision to Begin the Process of Taking Control ; Chapter 4. Getting Support ; Chapter 5. Deciding About Your Drug Therapy ; Chapter 6. Learning to Observe Your Triggers ; Chapter 7. Channeling Negative Emotions into Productive Outlets ; Chapter 8. Relaxation Training: Experiencing the Sensation of the Brain Changing Itself ; Chapter 9. Identifying Your Pre-seizure Aura ; Chapter 10. Dealing with External Life Stresses ; Chapter 11. Dealing with Internal Issues and Conflicts ; Chapter 12. Enhancing Personal Wellness ; Chapter 13. Other Symptoms Associated with Seizures ; Chapter 14. Taking Control: An On-Going Process ; Chapter 15. Prognosis (patient outcomes) ; Chapter 16. When a Patient Has a Seizure in the Office Setting ; Chapter 17. Workbook Appendices ; References ; About the Authors
