To quantify experience? Methodological issues in the behavioural/psychological treatment of complex partial seizures

• Published in: Seizure (London, England) Vol. 10; no. 1; pp. 48 - 55
• Main Author: Benak, John C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.01.2001
• Subjects: Behavior Therapy - methods; behavioural and psychological treatment; complex partial; Electroencephalography; Epilepsy, Complex Partial - diagnosis; Epilepsy, Complex Partial - therapy; Humans; limitations; methodology; simple partial; Treatment Outcome; complex partial; simple partial; methodology; behavioural and psychological treatment; limitations
• DOI: 10.1053/seiz.2000.0513
• ISSN: 1059-1311

This paper will attempt to identify some of the major methodological hurdles that are present when treating or researching seizure conditions using neurobehavioural approaches. An overview of the unique methodological problems that arise with behavioural/psychological treatments will be discussed. The author will focus on personal experiences with complex and simple partial seizures, looking into some methodological questions that arose after his seizure activity was reduced using a behavioural technique. Several main issues will be examined as they may apply to seizure and personality type, and how they can influence treatment and results. Finally, possible directions toward improving methodology will be suggested.