Abstracts

Rationale: Many studies have indicated that seizure-related, psychological, and social variables contribute to the quality of life (QOL) in patients with epilepsy. Little is known about the evidence based on psychological theory, although recent studies suggest that the patient's subjective experience is important to improve QOL. Identifying psychosocial factors that facilitate QOL is essential to help patients with epilepsy to lead fuller lives. The present study integrated the biopsychosocial model and positive psychology techniques to investigate the effect of acceptance of disability (AOD) in the QOL of adult patients with epilepsy. Methods: Retrospective review examined 127 patients with epilepsy (63 men and 64 women, aged 18-67 years) who underwent comprehensive assessment including long-term video-EEG monitoring, neuroimaging studies, and neuropsychological and psychiatric assessment in our epilepsy monitoring unit. Age at epilepsy onset ranged from 0 to 60 years. Data were obtained from medical records and self-report questionnaires. The Adaptation of Disability Scale-Revised (ADS-R) was used to measure AOD, which reflects the value change process associated with AOD theory. Other variables included demographic and seizure-related variables, the Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory for Epilepsy, Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventor-31P, and Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey. Data were analyzed using a hierarchical multiple regression analysis method. Results: The mean ADS-R score was 80 (range 32-128), which indicates a medium level of disability acceptance among our patients with epilepsy. The predictors accounted for 46% of the variance in overall QOL (R ² = .46, ?R ² = .44, F [4, 122] = 26.00, p = .000). Higher social support (p < .001), higher AOD (p < .001), and lower depression scores (p < .05) were found to contribute significantly to higher overall QOL. Conclusions: The present study suggests that AOD is a useful methodology in assessment and intervention approaches to improve the QOL of patients with epilepsy. In clinical practice, professionals should identify patients with low levels of AOD and explore effective psychological intervention model based on AOD theory. Funding: Japan Society for the Promotion of Science KAKENHI Grant Number K17K16623