The impact of neurocardiogenic syncope on young people’s health related quality of life and psychological functioning: A qualitative study

Skeldon, Joanne (2015) The impact of neurocardiogenic syncope on young people’s health related quality of life and psychological functioning: A qualitative study. D Clin Psy thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

Introduction: The literature shows that syncope in childhood is common with around one in five children experiencing an episode before the age of 15 years old. Neurocardiogenic Syncope (NCS) is a form of reflex syncope and is the most common form of syncope in children and adolescents. Overall, there is limited research investigating the associations between NCS and health related quality of life (HRQOL) and psychological functioning. This project aims to explore young people’s experiences of NCS, to gain a more detailed understanding of young people’s understanding of their symptoms and diagnosis and the possible impact of NCS on HRQOL and psychological functioning. Methods: Five adolescents aged 12-17 years old, with a diagnosis of NCS, participated in the study. Semi-structured interviews collected qualitative data which was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results: Analysis of the data revealed the following four overarching themes: uncertainty, self-concept, coping strategies and experiences of medical services. Each theme was divided into a number of sub-ordinate themes and similarities and differences between participant’s experiences were identified. Conclusion: Young people expressed uncertainty in relation to their experiences of NCS, including the uncertainty of the course and prognosis of symptoms. This was found to interrupt a typical adolescent trajectory, influencing young people’s development of identity, autonomy and relationships, as well as impacting on current and future opportunities and psychological wellbeing. These findings were consistent with previous research investigating young people’s experiences of chronic illness.

• Item Type: Thesis (D Clin Psy)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Keywords: Neurocardiogenic syncope, vasovagal syncope, unexplained syncope, psychiatric disorders, prevalence.
• Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
• Colleges/Schools: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Supervisor's Name: Mullen, Dr. Kenneth
• Date of Award: 2015
• Depositing User: Miss Joanne Skeldon
• Unique ID: glathesis:2015-6750
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 13 Oct 2015 10:05
• Last Modified: 22 Oct 2015 09:26
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/6750