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01-09-2013 | Original Paper

Alexithymia and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Following Epileptic Seizure

Authors: Man Cheung Chung, Rachel D. Allen

Published in: Psychiatric Quarterly | Issue 3/2013

Abstract

This study investigated (1) the incidence of posttraumatic stress disorder following epileptic seizure (post-epileptic seizure PTSD) and psychiatric co-morbidity and (2) the extent to which alexithymia traits related to the severity of the preceding outcomes. Seventy-one people with epilepsy participated in the study and completed the Posttraumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Toronto Alexithymia Scale. The control group comprised 71 people without epilepsy who completed the HADS. Fifty-one percent met the diagnostic criteria for full-PTSD; 30 % for partial-PTSD and 19 % for no-PTSD. The epilepsy group reported significantly more anxiety and depression than the control with demographic variables controlled for. Difficulty identifying feelings predicted post-epileptic seizure PTSD, anxiety and depression. It was positively correlated with post-epileptic seizure PTSD and depression, while it was negatively correlated with anxiety. People can develop PTSD and psychiatric co-morbid symptoms following epileptic seizures. The severity of these symptoms was related to difficulty in identifying internal feelings and emotions.

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Title: Alexithymia and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Following Epileptic Seizure
Authors: Man Cheung Chung
Rachel D. Allen
Publication date: 01-09-2013
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Psychiatric Quarterly / Issue 3/2013
Print ISSN: 0033-2720
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6709
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11126-012-9243-1

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Alexithymia and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Following Epileptic Seizure

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

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