Neuropsychology - Non-Epileptic Attack Disorder (NEAD) Intervention Group

The face-to-face Non-Epileptic Attack Disorder (NEAD) group is an education group, designed to teach you more about NEAD and practice strategies that will help you to manage your symptoms.

The group provides the opportunity for you to meet others with NEAD and learn from others with similar experiences. The group is run by a specialist team of clinicians.

What is involved?

• The group is made up of 4 sessions
• The sessions run for 2 hours, with breaks in-between (for brews and biscuits!)
• The first 3 sessions are weekly, with the final session one month later
• Each session will be different, so it is important that you complete them all

What will I learn?

• During the group, you will learn about what NEAD is, what causes it to happen and what can keep it going
• You will be introduced to exercises that will help you to notice warning signs and manage NEAD
• Each session will include a presentation and opportunities to practice physical and psychological strategies that can be an effective way to help to manage NEAD symptoms. You will also have an opportunity to talk with others about how they manage NEAD
• You will receive a workbook at the beginning of the group, with sections for each session. Make sure that you bring this with you each week to note down important information and help your learning
• At the end of each session, we will suggest between session tasks for you to get on with to help your progress 
• You will be asked to complete questionnaires before and after the group (some via text messages)

Who runs the group?

The course is led by the NEAD team in the Department of Clinical Neuropsychology, which is made up of: clinical psychologists, trainee clinical psychologists, a CBT therapist and assistant psychologists.

What will happen?

• You will be invited to attend Salford Royal Hospital for the face-to-face group for four sessions; you will receive the dates of these in the post beforehand
• The group will consist of around six-eight people, with an additional two staff members who will facilitate the group
• There may also be family members/carers of people with NEAD in the group
• For each session, you will learn more about NEAD and how to manage your symptoms. There will also be some opportunities for group discussion, so you can learn from others with NEAD

How do I start the group?

• You will be offered a place on the group via telephone or letter. If you are not available for any of the dates, please let us know as soon as possible
• You will also be sent some health guidance via email, depending on your telephone consultation with the team, which may highlight certain techniques to avoid doing and/or adapting to suit you
• If you would like to start the group but haven't yet spoken to a NEAD clinician, then please contact our admin team on 0161 206 2004 or reftoneuropsych@nca.nhs.uk

What do I need to take part?

• An email address for us to send you your health guidance, and other information
• A telephone number that we can contact you on
• The booklet that will be provided to you in your first session
• A form of transport, or be able to travel to Salford Royal Hospital for the sessions

What if I have other health conditions?

We will ask you about health conditions, illnesses and injuries before the group starts. You may be instructed to adapt the exercises to ensure they are right for you – we will guide you through this.

We may ask you to seek advice from your doctor if there are any concerns about whether the course is suitable for you.

Do I have to complete every session?

We ask that you commit to completing every session. This is because each session is different, and people get the most benefit when they complete every session.

If you are unable to attend any of the group sessions, please let us know as soon as you can. We will discuss with you whether there is an alternative option or give you the chance to start the group again so that you get to complete all of the sessions.

What about confidentiality?

The group facilitators will make some electronic, generic notes about what you discuss. These notes are only accessible to members of the neuropsychology department. However, if we are worried about your safety, or the safety of someone you know, we will need to share our concerns with other professionals.

We ask that all group members keep topics discussed within the group confidential, and that other group members’ names or other identifying details are not discussed outside of the group. We would like the group to provide a safe space for all those who attend.

You are not permitted to record the group sessions.

What have our patients said about the group?

🗹 “I liked the traffic light system and learning to really think about how I feel and why that is. I've also learnt what small things put me in the green zone and to make them as special as possible”

🗹 “I know more now than what I did before. I have just got more of an understanding of what is going on for me”

🗹 “I enjoyed meeting like-minded people as it made me feel normal”

🗹“I like engaging with others who have the same symptoms and experiences” “It really helps knowing you’re not alone and people are out there feeling the same way”

🗹 “Understanding more about NEAD and how to cope with it – I wish everyone with this condition was offered this same support”

🗹“I didn’t want to attend face-to-face but when I did, it made me much better than before”

🗹 “The staff were amazing; they made the group enjoyable and rewarding. Having the condition explained by professionals, I found the information sank in much more”

What happens after the group?

After you complete the group, you will receive a letter offering you a 1:1 review appointment to see how you are getting on. If you choose to have a review appointment, you and your therapist will consider whether you may benefit from additional individual talking therapy sessions. If you decide that you do not want a review appointment, you will be discharged from the NEAD service.

Do I have to take part in the group?

You do not have to attend the group. If you would like to attend the group but are not available for the dates in your invitation letter, let us know and we can invite you to a group starting at a later date. If you decide that you do not want to attend the group, and do not want any further support from the NEAD service, you will be discharged.

Please let us know if there are any reasons why attending the group would be difficult for you.
For more details about our service, including useful resources, please visit our website:

https://northerncarealliance.nhs.uk/our-services/mccn