Abstract Details

Title Develop and Assess the Efficacy of a Neuro-cognitive and Psychosocial Intervention Module in Patients with Drug-resistant Epilepsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Topic Epilepsy/Clinical Neurophysiology (EEG)

Presentation(s) P3 - Poster Session 3 (5:00 PM-6:00 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 11-008

Objective This study aimed to develop and evaluate the efficacy of a
neuro-cognitive and psychosocial intervention module through randomized controlled trial, tailored specifically for patients
with DRE

Background Drug-resistant epilepsy poses significant challenges to patients' quality of
life, cognitive functioning, and psychosocial well-being. Cognitive impairments,
including attention, memory, and executive dysfunction, along with psychosocial
challenges such as stigma, anxiety, and depression, significantly impact daily functioning
and overall health outcomes.

Design/Methods The study was conducted in three phases at the Department of Neurology,
PGIMER, Chandigarh. Phase I involved the development of a neuro-cognitive and
psychosocial intervention module, incorporating psychoeducation, cognitive retraining
exercises, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and family counseling. Expert validation and
pilot testing were conducted to refine the module. Phase II included a pilot study to assess
the module's feasibility with a small sample of five patients. Phase III assessed the
efficacy of the module through a randomized controlled trial with 60 DRE patients,
randomly assigned to intervention (n=30) and control (n=30) groups. The intervention
group received the module along with standard medical treatment, while the control
group received only standard care. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were
conducted using validated tools, including QOLIE-31, Beck Depression Inventory,
Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, and various neurocognitive tests for attention, memory
and executive functions.

Results The intervention group showed significant improvements in quality of life, cognitive functioning
and psychosocial well-being. Statistically significant reductions were observed in anxiety and stigma scores.
Cognitive functions, including attention, memory, and executive functions, also improved
after 8 weeks for combined intervention.

Conclusions This study developed a simple neuro-cognitive and psychosocial module for
improving quality of life in drug-resistant epilepsy patients. This intervention module is
able to improve patient’s quality of life, cognitive functioning, and psychosocial wellbeing.
Overall, it proved to be both effective and feasible.

Authors/Disclosures
Neetu Choudhary IV, PhD (PGIMER, Chandigarh) PRESENTER	Mrs. Choudhary has received research support from CSIR.

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