Thesis (M.S.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2005. / The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Title from title screen of research.pdf file viewed on (December 19, 2006) Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M. Res. (Med.))--University of Hong Kong, 2005.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2007. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Montana State University--Bozeman, 2007. / Typescript. Chairperson, Graduate Committee: John P. Miller. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 152-171).

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Texas at Dallas, 2007. / Includes vita. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--York University, 2004. Graduate Programme in Mathematics & Statistics. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 251-261). Also available on the Internet. MODE OF ACCESS via web browser by entering the following URL: http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/yorku/fullcit?pNR11549

Thesis (M.S.) -- Worcester Polytechnic Institute. / Keywords: Scanning electron microscope; Cell adhesion; Carbon; Gene expression; Nerve growth factor; nerve regeneration. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 81-87).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Chicago. / Caption title: ... By G.N. Stewart and F.H. Pike. "Reprinted from the American journal of physiology, Vol. XIX--August 1, 1907--no. III." Includes bibliographical references. Also available on the Internet.

Background: Stroke is among the most common causes of disability and stroke survivors may experience cognitive impairment, low mood and fatigue. These three are often associated, as mood and fatigue share some common symptoms and fatigue can also be expressed in a cognitive manner. Fatigue is multifaceted and cannot be easily defined which complicates its measurement. There is a lack of understanding regarding the relationship between fatigue and cognition after stroke and the studies suffer methodological limitations. Objective: This project examined the above concepts and the relationship between fatigue and cognition, more specifically, speed of information processing, sustained and selective attention. Methods: The relationship was examined by: i) systematically reviewing current evidence on this relationship and ii) by conducting three studies that investigated the relationship between fatigue, mood and cognitive impairment in first stroke survivors in the acute phase without depression, in first stroke survivors in the acute phase with depression and in chronic stroke survivors measuring cognitive aspects of fatigue (Fatigue Scale for Motor and Cognitive Functions) as well. We also iii) explored the reliability of and the components assessed by the Fatigue Severity Scale. Results: The systematic review identified 11 studies that examined the relationship. Results were inconclusive as some studies confirmed a significant relationship while others did not. Overall, the findings suggested that memory, attention and speed of information processing are associated with fatigue after stroke, with coefficients ranging from r= .36 to .46. Levels of fatigue and cognitive impairment were reported as moderate. Our three studies did not reveal any statistically significant association between fatigue (general, cognitive or motor) and cognitive performance (either selective and sustained attention or speed of information processing). We also confirmed the uni-dimensionality of the Fatigue Severity Scale in our sample with the use of component analysis; the scale also revealed nearly excellent internal consistency (α=0.95). Conclusion: The Fatigue Severity Scale is a reliable fatigue scale that is commonly used in stroke research. The Fatigue Scale for Motor and Cognitive Functions is a relatively new fatigue scale with high psychometric properties. The lack of significant relationship between fatigue and cognitive impairment may be attributed to the choice of cognitive components that were examined in this study. Implication of Project/Findings: Cognitive impairment after stroke is very common and so is fatigue. If these two are associated in any way, it will be beneficial to explore such a relationship, or even the lack of it, in order to better understand cognitive mechanisms of fatigue and to potentially incorporate them in future psychological interventions. Further Suggestions: Future studies may benefit from incorporating general and cognitive fatigue scales as well as including domain specific and general cognitive test. The findings of this study highlight the complexity of fatigue and speed of information processing as phenomena. Despite not revealing any significant relationship between certain cognitive aspects and fatigue, it may be worth examining the relationship between fatigue and memory components which are less commonly included in similar studies. Funding: This project was funded by the University of Nottingham (Vice Chancellor’s Scholarship for Research Excellence-European Union; Scholarship Reference Number: RFDX42DB2). No financial or other conflict is declared.

Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) are a relatively common condition, however, seizures can be debilitating for patients and are associated with high levels of psychological distress, reduced quality of life and reduced functionality. Despite the debilitating effects of the condition, there is thus far no recommended treatment. Although psychological therapy is often sought following the diagnosis of PNES, there remains relatively little research in the area comparing treatment efficacy. Nevertheless, many treatment efficacy studies focus on the application of cognitive behavioural therapy to PNES and the results produced so far appear promising, however, the psychotherapeutic mechanisms of change for such therapies are less clear. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a third-wave behavioural approach based on theoretical mechanisms of change. ACT may have benefits over other traditional therapies, as its contextual approach may be more acceptable to individuals with PNES, especially if they have had difficulty in adjusting to the concept that their seizures are caused by psychological, rather than physical processes. A single case experimental design was carried out to assess the efficacy of an ACT guided self-help intervention on psychological flexibility, psychological distress, quality of life and seizure frequency. Participants also completed a qualitative change interview at one-month follow up. The intervention was replicated six times. All participants demonstrated an increase in psychological flexibility following the ACT self-help intervention. Four of the six participants demonstrated reliable improvements in quality of life and psychological distress. The same four participants also reported a significant decrease in seizure frequency following the intervention, with three participants reporting that they were seizure free at one-month follow-up. Triangulation of the quantitative time-series data and qualitative change interviews indicated that openness to awareness processes (acceptance and cognitive defusion) were key mechanisms of change for individuals with PNES. The study demonstrated the utility of an ACT treatment approach delivered in a self-help format for individuals with PNES. The implications of the study findings for future research and clinical practice are discussed.