Cultural issues: Perspectives and experiences of patients with dissociative seizures in Argentina

MARÍA MARTA, ARECO PICO; MERCEDES, SARUDIANSKY; ALEJANDRA INÉS, LANZILLOTTI; CRISTINA, TENREYRO; CAMILA, WOLFZUN; LUCIANA, D`ALESSIO; GUIDO PABLO, KORMAN

SEIZURE : THE JOURNAL OF THE BRITISH EPILEPSY ASSOCIATION.

W B SAUNDERS CO LTD

Año: 2023 vol. 106 p. 101 - 109

1059-1311

Purpose: To explore patients’ subjective experience when receiving a diagnosis of Dissociative Seizures (DS) inBuenos Aires, Argentina, and their explanatory models about DS.Method: A qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews was used to gain an in-depth and contextualunderstanding of the perspectives of 19 patients with DS. Data collection and analysis were followed by aninductive and interpretive approach informed by the principles of thematic analysis.Results: Four main themes emerged: 1) Reactions to the Diagnosis; 2) Ways of Naming the Disease; 3) OwnExplanatory Models; 4) External Explanatory Models.Conclusions: This information might help achieve an adequate knowledge of the local characteristics of patientswith DS. Most patients could not express any emotions or considerations about being diagnosed with DS, andthey related their seizures to a personal or social-emotional conflict and environmental stress; however, familymembers related patients’ seizures to a biological cause. It is important to analyze cultural differences in patientswith DS in order to develop appropriate interventions for this specific population