Scottish Neurological Symptoms Study, Phase 1
About the Project
This project started in November 2002 and finished in March
2004.
The project grantholders were Dr Alan Carson (Robert Fergusson
Unit, Royal Edinburgh Hospital) and Professor Michael Sharpe
(School of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, the University of
Edinburgh).
The purpose of the project was to determine:
- What proportion of new patients attending Scottish neurology
clinics have medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) and the variation
between Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee
- The age, sex, health status, level of emotional distress and
the illness beliefs of these patients with MUS compared with those
who have medically explained symptoms
- The current clinical management of patients with MUS in the 4
centres (this aim was subsequently incorporated into the follow-up
study (see below).
Future of the Work
The grantholders were awarded funding from the Chief Scientist
Office (CSO) to undertake related follow-up work on outcomes and
clinical management. This project is due to end on 31 July 2005. A
good level of follow-up has been achieved.
The SNSS Group have also been awarded MRC funding for an
additional follow-on study. The main objective of this project is
to undertake a trial of complex Cognitive Behaviour Self Help
(CBSH) based intervention for patients with MUS attending
neurological outpatient clinics.
The SNSS group is in the process of applying for funding for
another follow on project (The Explain Trial) from CSO.
Dissemination
Reports on the work to date were presented at:
- The Scottish Association of Neurological Sciences Annual
Meetings in 2002, 2003 and 2004
- Royal College of Psychiatrists Neuropsychiatry Group meeting
with the English Department of Health in 2004
Planned presentations include:
- The Royal College of Psychiatrists Annual Meeting
- The American Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine
- Association of British Neurologists
- Scottish Association of Neurological Sciences Meeting
Submissions to peer reviewed journals are planned.
Contact Information
All enquiries about the project should be directed to Dr Alan
Carson in the first instance:
Dr Alan Carson
Consultant Neuropsychiatrist
Robert Fergusson Unit
Royal Edinburgh Hospital
Morningside Terrace
Edinburgh
EH10 5HF
Tel: 0131 537 6383
Email: Alan.Carson@lpct.scot.nhs.uk
General information can be obtained from:
Beatrice Cant
Senior Programmes Manager
NHS Quality Improvement Scotland
Edinburgh Office
Tel: 0131 623 4594
Email: beatrice.cant@nhs.net
Published Date: 01 July 2005
