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OBJECTIVE: This study presents the cultural and linguistic adaptation and psychometric properties of the Argentine version of the Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory (QOLIE-31P) scale. METHODS: An instrumental study was carried out. A version of QOLIE-31P translated into Spanish was provided by the original authors. To assess the content validity, evaluation of expert judges was requested, and the degree of agreement was determined. The instrument was administered to 212 people with epilepsy (PWE) of Argentina, together with the BDI-II, B-IPQ and a sociodemographic questionnaire. A descriptive analysis of the sample was carried out. Discriminative capacity of the items was performed. Cronbach's alpha was calculated to assess reliability. To study the dimensional structure of the instrument, a confirmatory factorial analysis (CFA) was performed. Convergent and discriminant validity was tested through mean difference tests, linear correlation, and regression analysis. RESULTS: Aiken's V coefficients ranged between .90 and 1 (acceptable), which allows to state that a conceptually and linguistically equivalent version of the QOLIE-31P was reached. Cronbach's Alpha of 0.94 was obtained for the Total Scale (optimal). As a result of CFA, 7 factors were obtained, being the dimensional structure similar to the original version. Also, unemployed PWE reported significant lower scores than employed PWE. Finally, QOLIE-31P scores negatively correlated with depression symptom severity and negative illness perception. CONCLUSION: The Argentine version of the QOLIE-31P is a valid and reliable instrument, presenting good psychometric properties, such as high internal consistency and a dimensional structure similar to that of the original version.

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Resumen Se han revisado artículos que estudiaron la calidad de vida en las personas con crisis no epilépticas psicógenas (CNEP) y crisis epilépticas. Se siguió la guía PRISMA y, previo a la búsqueda, se realizó un protocolo publicado en PROSPERO. Se incluyeron estudios aleatorizados y no aleatorizados, de tipo cuantitativo o mixtos, de corte transversal o longitudinal, escritos en lengua inglesa o española publicados hasta el año 2020, y cuyos participantes fueran mayores de 16 años. Luego de filtrar los resultados según los criterios de selección, se incluyeron 11 artículos y una tesis doctoral cuyos años de publicación datan de 1998 a 2020. En su mayoría, se informaba que las personas con CNEP tenían menor calidad de vida, asociadas a presencia de psicopatología, así como también a la toma de medicación antiepiléptica, factores sociodemográficos y relacionados con las crisis (frecuencia, severidad y duración de enfermedad), funcionamiento familiar, trauma y somatización.

Abstract Psychogenic non epileptic seizures (PNES) are disruptive changes in behaviour, thought, or emotion that resemble an epileptic seizure, but without paroxysmal neuronal discharge detectable by electroencephalography (EEG), and are not caused by another medical condition. On the other hand, epileptic seizures (ES) are defined as clinical events that reflect the presence of hypersynchronous discharges of neurons located in the cerebral cortex, which have the particularity of starting and ending abruptly. The diagnosis of epilepsy is made when an epileptic seizure was experienced and there is a risk of having another. The objective of this paper is to present the results of a systematic review of articles that have studied quality of life in people with PNES and ES. This review has been performed following the PRISMA guide (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses). Prior to the beginning of the search, a protocol was carried out and it is published for consultation in the International prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO). The review includes randomized and non-randomized, quantitative or mixed, cross-sectional or longitudinal studies, published in English or Spanish until 2020. In addition, participants had to be over 16 years old. PNES diagnosis must have been confirmed by video-electroencephalography (VEEG) or a similar procedure-which is considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of PNES.

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OBJECTIVES: Psychiatric disorders are frequently found in both patients with PNES and DRE, making the differential diagnosis even more complex. The aim of this study was to analyze and compare psychiatric aspects and the quality of life in patients with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) and drug resistant epilepsy (DRE). METHODS: Patients admitted to video-electroencephalograpy (VEEG) unit with confirmed PNES and DRE were included. Demographical characteristics, psychiatric diagnosis according to SCID I and II of DSM IV, pharmacological treatment, general functioning measured with GAF (Global assessment of functionality), quality of life (QoL) using QlesQSF (Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire Short Form) and depression severity using BDI II (Beck depression inventory), were compared between the groups. Non-parametric tests, chi square test, and logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: 148 patients consecutively admitted to VEEG were included (DRE n = 97; PNES n = 51). Somatization disorder (RR: 13.02, 95% CI: 1.23-137.39, p = 0.03) and a history of trauma (RR: 8.66, 95% CI: 3.21-23.31, p = 0.001) were associated with PNES. The QlesQ score and the GAF score were lower with a higher prevalence of suicide attempts in the PNES group (p < 0.01). A negative correlation was observed between the severity of depression and the quality of life (DRE r = - 0.28, p = 0.013; PNES r = - 0.59, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Higher psychiatric comorbidity with poorer QoL were found in PNES patients compared to DRE. However, depression comorbidity negatively affected the QoL in both groups. Future studies based on illness perception will be orientated to complete this analysis.

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OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to explore explanatory models (EM) about epilepsy in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) in Buenos Aires, Argentina. DESIGN: A qualitative approach gathered data through semi-structured interviews, oriented to gain an in-depth and contextual understanding of EM about epilepsy of patients with DRE. Data collection and analysis were followed by an inductive and interpretive approach informed by the principles of thematic analysis. RESULTS: 75 patients from two public hospitals participated. Emerging codes were grouped into three categories: Biomedical EM, Psychosocial EM, and Traditional EM. Also, factors that trigger or increase the frequency of seizures were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Patients' EM regarding epilepsy are complex, as biological, psychological, and supernatural aspects intertwine. EM represent a method of understanding the way people explain, recognize, and act in relation to a medical condition. Since patients' beliefs regarding their illness are related to mental disorders, and quality of life, EM could shed light on the real impact of illness in the life of people, and, in turn, guide those intervention strategies to the patients' subjectivity, in order to improve the treatment compliance, reduce distress, and improve health-related quality of life, among other aspects.

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Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) are paroxystic and episodic events associated with motor, sensory, mental or autonomic manifestations, which resemble epileptic seizures (ES), but are not caused by epileptogenic activity. PNES affect between 20% and 30% of patients attending at epilepsy centers and constitute a serious mental health problem. PNES are often underdiagnosed, undertreated and mistaken with epilepsy. PNES are diagnosed after medical causes (epilepsy, syncope, stroke, etc.) have been ruled out, and psychological mechanisms are involved in their genesis and perpetuation. For psychiatry, there is not a single definition for PNES; the DSM-IV and ICD-10/11 describe the conversion and dissociative disorders, and the DSM-5 describes the functional neurological disorders. However, patients with PNES also have a high frequency of other comorbidities like depression, particularly trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder. It has been postulated that PNES are essentially dissociations that operate as a defensive psychological mechanism that use the mind as a defense to deal with traumas. With the advent of VEEG in the 90s, the recognition of PNES has significantly increased, and several psychological treatments have been developed. In this manuscript, we carried out a state-of-the-art review, with the aim to provide a critical approach to the extensive literature about PNES, focusing on diagnostic aspects, the primary management, and the available treatments that have been shown to be effective for the improvement of PNES.

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The allostatic load (AL) index constitutes a useful tool to objectively assess the biological aspects of chronic stress in clinical practice. AL index has been positively correlated with cumulative chronic stress (physical and psychosocial stressors) and with a high risk to develop pathological conditions (e.g., metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular pathology, inflammatory disorders) and the so-called stress-related psychiatric disorders, including anxiety and depressive disorders. Chronic stress has negative effects on brain neuroplasticity, especially on hippocampal neurogenesis and these effects may be reversed by antidepressant treatments. Several evidences indicate that non-pharmacological interventions based on physical activity and yoga practice may add synergizing benefits to classical treatments (antidepressant and benzodiazepines) for depression and anxiety, reducing the negative effects of chronic stress. The aim of this review is to provide a general overview of current knowledge on AL and chronic stress in relation to depression and anxiety, physical activity and yoga practice.

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PURPOSE: To examine the effects of a three-session psychoeducational intervention on patients diagnosed with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) in an Argentinian public hospital. It was hypothesized that patients would experience improvements in their understanding of PNES, illness perception and affective scores, but might not necessarily experience a significant change in post-traumatic and dissociative symptoms and in seizure frequency. METHODS: This study included 12 patients (10 women, 2 men) who were invited to participate in a psychoeducational group after receiving a V-EEG confirmed diagnosis of PNES. The group consisted of 3 sessions lasting 2 h each. Pre and post measures included Psychoeducational Intervention Questionnaire, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory-II, Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Diagnostic Scale 5, Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES-M). RESULTS: This psychoeducational intervention produced results that were similar to interventions reported in US and European studies with regard to changes on psychological measures. Moreover, many patients also reported (on the final day of the intervention) a decrease in seizure frequency. All patients reported that participating in the intervention was a positive experience. Also, all but one patient referred that the participation in the group would have a positive impact on their quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Psychoeducational interventions appear to have had positive results in Argentinian patients with PNES. This is initial step in the design of empirically based psychoeducational/supportive initiatives for patients in South America.

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Resumen En los últimos años, los términos bullying y cyberbullying se han ido instalando en los medios de comunicación argentinos, entre ellos en la prensa escrita. Se trata de términos técnicos, ya que hacen referencia a problemáticas específicas, que han sido adoptados por la prensa local a fin de dar cuenta, principalmente, de las características, consecuencias y posibles abordajes de estos fenómenos. Teniendo en cuenta que la lectura y análisis de aquello que publica la prensa respecto de un fenómeno permitiría observar aspectos interesantes del proceso de difusión de la información, del discurso empleado y del sentido colectivo que le otorga, el objetivo general de este trabajo se orientó a indagar el tipo de información y su contenido con respecto al fenómeno de cyberbullying en la prensa escrita argentina. Se discuten los hallazgos obtenidos mediante el empleo de un análisis temático y de contenido a fin de ampliar el conocimiento sobre este fenómeno en nuestro medio local.

Abstract In recent years, the terms "bullying" and "cyberbullying" have been adopted by the Argentinian media, including the written press. These are technical terms that refer to specific problems. The local press has adopted them in order to report about the characteristics, consequences, and possible approaches to these situations. The analysis of the press' publications on a certain phenomenon enables us to see interesting aspects of the process of dissemination of information, the discourse used and the collective consciousness it creates. Therefore, the general objective of this work is focused on investigating the type of information and contents regarding cyberbullying in the Argentinian press. A qualitative methodological approach was used, which included the use of a thematic and content analysis. It is noted that only a low proportion of journalism articles was found in which the three basic characteristics of the cyberbullying were pointed out (the intentionality, the repetition in time and the existence of an imbalance of power). In addition, it is observed that the written press provides more information related to the characteristics and possible approaches to cyberbullying, and, to a lesser extent, to its detection. The negative consequences of this problem regarding the psychological health of those involved are mentioned, highlighting indicators and individual consequences, but without referring to indicators or to collective, institutional or social consequences. The development of a hostile and unsupportive school environment, the normalization of aggressive behaviors, the positive assessment of violent behavior in order to obtain social success, and the possible consequences for teachers and families are not mentioned by the press. Also, it is observed that the press gives little room to the students' point of view, who, from their experiences, attitudes and perspectives on this phenomenon, could make important contributions for the development of both prevention strategies and effective boarding tools. The findings obtained are discussed through thematic and content analysis in order to broaden the knowledge about this phenomenon in our local environment. Within the limitations of this study, it is worth mentioning that the different publications began the digitization of their copies in different years, which could affect the total number of articles surveyed and the amount registered for each of the digital portals. Likewise, for this study, only two descriptors were used to carry out the search, so future studies could incorporate other terms in order to broaden and deepen the findings. This could also contribute to generate other analysis categories, in order to record other aspects related to the type and content of information not addressed in this study.

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Resumen La perspectiva del paciente se presenta como algo importante a tener en cuenta para la comprensión del padecimiento y para lograr un tratamiento efectivo. El objetivo de la presente investigación es indagar las trayectorias terapéuticas y las experiencias durante el recorrido terapéutico de pacientes con Crisis No Epilépticas Psicógenas (CNEP) pertenecientes a un Hospital General de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires. Se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas a diez pacientes diagnosticados con CNEP. Para el análisis de los datos se utilizó una metodología cualitativa basada en los principios del análisis temático. Se ha identificado una categoría central: Itinerarios terapéuticos dentro del sistema etnomédico y tres subcategorías: (1) Diagnósticos Recibidos; (2) Recursos del sistema etnomédico y (3) Evaluaciones de los recursos utilizados. La dificultad de arribar a un diagnóstico y un tratamiento que permitiera mejorar las CNEP, así como el uso de distintas medicinas, fue destacada por la totalidad de los pacientes.

Resumo A perspectiva do paciente se apresenta como algo importante a levar em conta para a compreensão do sofrimento e para se alcançar um tratamento eficaz. O objetivo desta pesquisa é investigar as trajetórias terapêuticas e as experiências durante a jornada terapêutica de pacientes com crise não epilética psicogênica (CNEP) de um Hospital Geral da Cidade Autônoma de Buenos Aires. Entrevistas semiestruturadas foram realizadas com dez pacientes com diagnóstico de CNEP. Para a análise dos dados, utilizou-se metodologia qualitativa baseada nos princípios da análise temática. Uma categoria central foi identificada: Itinerários terapêuticos dentro do sistema etnomédico; e três subcategorias: (1) Diagnósticos recebidos; (2) Recursos do sistema etnomédico; e (3) Avaliações dos recursos utilizados. A dificuldade de se chegar a um diagnóstico e a um tratamento que permitisse melhorar a CNEP, bem como o uso de diferentes medicamentos, foi destacada por todos os pacientes.

Abstract The patient's perspective is essential to understand their condition and to achieve an effective treatment. The objective of this paper is to investigate the therapeutic trajectories and experiences of patients with Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Crisis (PNES) under treatment in a General Hospital of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten patients diagnosed with PNES. For data analysis, a qualitative methodology based on thematic analysis was adopted. A central category has been identified: Therapeutic Itineraries within the Ethnomedical System, and three subcategories: (1) Diagnoses received; (2) Resources of the ethnomedical system; and (3) Evaluation of the resources used. The difficulty of finding a diagnosis, a treatment to improve PNES, and proper medicine were highlighted by all the patients.

Résumé Le point de vue du patient est présenté comme quelque chose d'important à prendre en compte afin de comprendre la maladie et d'obtenir un traitement efficace. L'objectif de cette recherche est d'analyser les trajectoires thérapeutiques et les expériences au cours du parcours thérapeutique des patients atteints de Crise Psychogénique Non Épileptique (CPNE) dans un hôpital général de la ville de Buenos Aires. Des entretiens semi-structurés ont été menés auprès de 10 patients diagnostiqués avec une CPNE. Pour l'analyse des données, une méthodologie qualitative basée sur les principes de l'analyse thématique a été utilisée. Une catégorie centrale a été identifiée : Les itinéraires thérapeutiques au sein du système ethno-médical et trois sous-catégories : (1) Diagnostics reçus ; (2) Ressources du système ethno-médical ; et (3) Évaluations des ressources utilisées. La difficulté d'arriver à un diagnostic et à un traitement permettant d'améliorer la CPNE, ainsi que l'utilisation de médicaments différents, a été soulignée par l'ensemble des patients.

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OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to perform a long-term follow-up of economically disadvantaged Latin American patients diagnosed as having psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) and contribute to the field's understanding of outcome in this population. BACKGROUND: A handful of studies have examined outcome of patients once the diagnosis of PNES has been communicated. However, the vast majority of these have been conducted in the first world countries with samples that were predominantly Caucasian. There is limited knowledge about outcome in economically disadvantaged Latin American patients diagnosed as having PNES. METHODS: This is a study of 23 patients (20 women, 3 men) with PNES in which demographic data (age, education, nationality, presence of psychological trauma, age of onset) were retrospectively retrieved from medical files. Follow-up was done through a telephonic questionnaire in which investigators collected clinical information (seizure characteristics at follow-up, and treatments employed) and changes in demographic data. RESULTS: Patients from this Argentinian PNES sample demonstrated having many similar demographic and clinical characteristics to samples from US and European studies. Long-term follow-up revealed, however, decreased seizure frequency and intensity as well as a substantial improvement in occupational status. A majority had engaged in psychotherapy as well as alternative and complementary approaches. A majority had also developed what are suspected to be other functional symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Argentinian patients from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, diagnosed as having PNES reported improvements in seizure frequency and occupational status during long-term follow-up. Future studies will need to focus on what (e.g., communication of diagnosis, psychotherapy, alternative treatments) may have contributed to these changes.

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