Abstract
Objectives: So far, there is little research in individuals with a diagnosis of epilepsy and minor cognitive impairment on cognitions related to their illness. In the Bethel center for epilepsy patients, we developed the PESOS questionnaire that addresses the perception of illness related problems as an aspect of the patients’ quality of life (PErformance, SOciodemographic aspects, Subjective estimation).
Methods: 106 residents with epilepsy of the Bethel institute participated in face-to-face interviews with the PESOS and two screening instruments for psychopathology, the depression scale D-S’ by von Zerssen and the BSI by Derogatis. PESOS-data were analyzed with regard to reliability and validity.
Results: The statistical analysis of the PESOS reveals good psychometric properties that allow its application for research purposes. There was a co-variation of PESOS-scores with seizure frequency and perceived side-effects of medication. Patients in residential care score low on problems directly related to epilepsy. On the other hand, there is a high proportion of individuals with scores that indicate psychopathology.
Conclusion: The PESOS questionnaire appears to be a useful instrument for the detection of epilepsy-related problems in patients with slight intellectual disturbance. Reliable assessment of these problems are a precondition for the provision of adequate treatment. It is not designed to measure psychopathology. Therefore, it should be part of a comprehensive clinical assessment.
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