Abstracts

Rationale: This three dimensional art therapy assessment was developed to assist the patient, their support system, and involved health care providers to better understand differences in patients with neurological and psychological disorders.Methods: The three dimensional approach was used during art therapy sessions in 40 patients admitted to the Cleveland Clinic Adult Epilepsy Monitoring Unit. 20 patients with epilepsy and 20 patients with non-epileptic seizures participated. XX patients had both epileptic and non-epileptic seizures. The assessment is designed as a self-portrait so the therapist can evaluate the subject in a more holistic approach. Scales of measurement included use of space, use of color, hypergraphia, and amount of materials used.Results: This research established distinct differences among patients diagnosed with epilepsy vs. non-epileptic seizures. These variations included; distinctions in seizure depiction, representation of emotional side effects and response, and portrayal of self to others. Predominate themes differed among patient population. Strong use of color, use of materials (height and amount), and use of space were significantly higher with patients diagnosed with epilepsy (Figure 1). Minimal use of color, darker color usage consisting of black, blue, red, yellow, and orange often represented and depicted the psychosomatic representation of pain, depression, anger, and fear (Figure 2). Forms and movement of seizure depiction often mirrored the official medical diagnosis either epilepsy, non-epileptic seizures, or otherwise. Likewise, identified color representation was chosen in response to emotional disturbances affiliated with his or her diagnosis.Conclusions: Art therapy, through the use of a biopsychosocial model in patients with epileptic and non-epileptic seizures, sheds light to how patients communicate. It lowers defenses and identifies core emotional struggles. Art therapy also taps the unconscious mind allowing patients and health care professionals see the psyche in other ways not possible in other forms of treatment.