Attentional bias in adults with non epileptic seizures
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Attentional bias in adults with non epileptic seizures.
IRAS ID
192631
Contact name
Chris Colbourn
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Teesside University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 31 days
Research summary
Non epileptic seizures (NES) are isolated paroxysmal episodes of altered movement, sensation, behaviour, or consciousness which resemble epileptic seizures however lack ictal epileptiform EEG activity in the brain. Various conceptualisations have been suggested over the years and researchers have moved towards a biopsychosocial position acknowledging a variety of contributing factors as important and highlighting stress and impaired attentional functions. The current proposal is for an investigation of attentional bias for threat stimuli, specifically anger and fear facial expressions, in adults with non epileptic seizures and compare these against participants with a diagnosis of epilepsy. The study will employ an experimental independent groups design (Non Epileptic Seizures / Epilepsy) and measure attentional bias through the Bristol Emotional Recognition Task. Participants will be recruited from the Neuroscience divisions of The James Cook Hospital, Middlesbrough. Once findings are analysed and discussed the thesis should help to save patient time whilst reducing negative health outcomes and enabling services to be more efficient and cost effective. The project should be completed by August 2017.
REC name
London - South East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/1189
Date of REC Opinion
23 Jun 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion