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ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE

Coping experiences in individuals with drug-resistant epilepsy and functional/dissociative seizures: A qualitative study

Lucila Gonzalez Molina1,2* ,  Camila Wolfzun1,2 ,  Mercedes Sarudiansky1,2 ,  Nahuel Pereira de Silva3 ,  Luciana D’Alessio1,3 ,  Guido P. Korman1,2
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1 National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
2 Institute for Psychological Research, Faculty of Psychology, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
3 Epilepsy Center, J.M. Ramos Mejía Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina
JCBP, 025370070 https://doi.org/10.36922/JCBP025370070
Received: 12 September 2025 | Revised: 19 September 2025 | Accepted: 23 September 2025 | Published online: 14 October 2025
© 2025 by the Author(s). This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ )
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Abstract

Individuals diagnosed with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) and functional/dissociative seizures (FDS) face multiple social, economic, and psychological difficulties. Coping is central to adaptation and psychological well-being in chronic health conditions. This study explores and describes the coping strategies of patients with DRE and FDS from Buenos Aires, Argentina. To our knowledge, this is one of the first studies in Latin America to pursue this objective. A qualitative exploratory design was used for this study. Eight adult participants (four with DRE and four with FDS), aged 33–56 years, were recruited from the J.M. Ramos Mejía Hospital between 2021 and 2023. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, based on the McGill Illness Narrative Interview, and analyzed using thematic analysis principles to capture patients’ experiences. Four coping strategies were identified from the analysis. First, both groups perceived social support from relatives and friends through emotional and practical assistance. Second, religiosity provided meaning, hope, and emotional relief through faith and religious practices. Third, participants reported seeking distraction as a way to distance themselves from intrusive negative thoughts. Finally, engaging in meaningful daily activities promoted autonomy and improved mood. This study offers a preliminary exploration and contributes to understanding the coping strategies of patients with DRE and FDS in Argentina. These strategies were perceived as valuable for managing the challenges and consequences of their seizures. Understanding these narratives enhances the professional–patient relationship and provides a more comprehensive perspective on living with seizures.

Keywords
Drug-resistant epilepsy
Functional/dissociative seizures
Coping strategies
Qualitative research
Argentina
Funding
This research was funded by the UBACyT research project (20020220200070BA) under the University of Buenos Aires.
Conflict of interest
The authors declare they have no competing interests.
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Journal of Clinical and Basic Psychosomatics, Electronic ISSN: 2972-4414 Print ISSN: 3060-8562, Published by AccScience Publishing
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