Cultural issues: perspectives and experiences of patients with dissociative seizures in Argentina

Abstract

Purpose: To explore patients’ subjective experience when receiving a diagnosis of Dissociative Seizures (DS) in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and their explanatory models about DS. Method: A qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews was used to gain an in-depth and contextual understanding of the perspectives of 19 patients with DS. Data collection and analysis were followed by an inductive and interpretive approach informed by the principles of thematic analysis. Results: Four main themes emerged: 1) Reactions to the Diagnosis; 2) Ways of Naming the Disease; 3) Own Explanatory Models; 4) External Explanatory Models. Conclusions: This information might help achieve an adequate knowledge of the local characteristics of patients with DS. Most patients could not express any emotions or considerations about being diagnosed with DS, and they related their seizures to a personal or social-emotional conflict and environmental stress; however, family members related patients’ seizures to a biological cause. It is important to analyze cultural differences in patients with DS in order to develop appropriate interventions for this specific population.