Coping with Accelerated Long-term Forgetting: Qualitative Insights from Patients, Family and Health Professionals
Abstract number :
2.128
Submission category :
4. Clinical Epilepsy / 4C. Clinical Treatments
Year :
2022
Submission ID :
2204567
Source :
www.aesnet.org
Presentation date :
12/4/2022 12:00:00 PM
Published date :
Nov 22, 2022, 05:25 AM
Authors :
Cecilia Law, PhD Candidate – University of Sydney; Ilona Juraskova, Professor – University of Sydney; Zoe Thayer, PhD – University of Sydney; Armin Nikpour, A/Prof, MD – University of Sydney; Mary Burns, PhD candidate – University of Sydney; Suncica Lah, Professor – University of Sydney
Rationale: Accelerated long-term forgetting (ALF) refers to rapid forgetting of newly learned materials over long delays (days to weeks) despite normal acquisition and retention of information over short delays (minutes). Research on ALF has focused on cognitive mechanisms. In contrast, no study to date examined strategies used by patients to compensate for their memory deficits and deal with psychosocial impact of ALF. The aim of the current study was to explore coping strategies currently employed by or recommended to patients with ALF.
Methods: Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with (i) patients with epilepsy and ALF (n=16), (ii) their family members (n=5) and (iii) health professionals (n = 11). Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed.
Results: Our qualitative analysis revealed four major coping strategies employed by patients with ALF: (1) avoidance; (2) emotion-focused coping; (3) memory-focused coping; and (4) seizure control. Importantly, the findings indicated patients utilized a range of compensatory and restorative memory strategies, emotional coping strategies, as well as external support in their coping with ALF. Moreover, family involvement and group intervention were valued by patients. Individual difference in the implementation of these coping strategies and their perceived effectiveness was noted.
Conclusions: Our study was the first to provide insight into the ways patients cope with ALF. Our study also provides directions for the development of ALF treatments. ALF treatments should be individualized and include a multifaced individualized and group intervention targeting medical, cognitive and psychosocial impairments, as well as education on ALF symptoms and impacts.
Funding: Not applicable
Clinical Epilepsy