Abstract
PURPOSE: To describe clinical experiences of paediatric non-epileptic seizures (NES) among doctors attending a UK child and adolescent psychiatry conference.
METHODS: Sixty-six participants completed a semi-structured bespoke questionnaire. Results are reported using descriptive statistics.
RESULTS: Two-thirds of respondents regarded the best name for the disorder to be "non-epileptic seizures". Although most doctors saw new cases each year, two-thirds described their own service as poorly equipped to manage NES. Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) were commonly still being taken by children without epilepsy 6 months after their diagnosis. Preferred treatment approaches included supportive case management and cognitive behavioural therapy. Joint working with paediatrics and liaison with schools were seen as important.
CONCLUSION: Despite many clinicians having experience of the disorder, NES seemed to occupy a neglected status, often falling between paediatrics and child mental health, with inadequately defined care pathways leading to sub-optimal treatment. Re-configuration of services to prioritise liaison with paediatrics and education may support development of effective treatment, thus maximising health, social and educational opportunities for young people and their families.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 23-25 |
| Number of pages | 3 |
| Journal | Seizure |
| Volume | 53 |
| Early online date | 31 Oct 2017 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Dec 2017 |
Keywords
- Adolescent
- Adolescent Psychiatry/statistics & numerical data
- Attitude of Health Personnel
- Case Management/statistics & numerical data
- Child
- Child Psychiatry/statistics & numerical data
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/statistics & numerical data
- Humans
- Physicians/statistics & numerical data
- Seizures/drug therapy
- United Kingdom