Research Results from Nationwide Studio E: The
Epilepsy Art Therapy Program Presented at the Annual Meeting of the
American Epilepsy Society
Studio E Artwork on Display Across the Country
to Raise Epilepsy Awareness
People living with epilepsy report increased self-esteem after
participating in Studio E: The Epilepsy Art Therapy Program,
according to a new study presented today at the annual meeting of
the American Epilepsy Society (AES), in Seattle, Wash. Studio E is
a multi-week program made possible nationwide through a partnership
between the Epilepsy Foundation and the pharmaceutical company
Lundbeck.
“We consistently witness the therapeutic power of art therapy
among Studio E participants across the country, whether it be
increased confidence or a release from stigma among people
previously hesitant to share their epilepsy story with others,”
said Lacy Vitko, lead art therapy coordinator at the Epilepsy
Foundation’s national office in Washington D.C., and co-author of
the study. “This study brings further validity to the inspirational
transformations we’ve seen among participants in Studio E
sessions.”
The Epilepsy Foundation and Lundbeck partnered in 2011 to pilot
Studio E in four U.S. cities. Given the program’s success, it was
gradually expanded in 2012 and 2013, and is now available in nearly
50 U.S. cities, making it the first national program of its kind.
It is offered free of charge through the Epilepsy Foundation’s
network of affiliates and Lundbeck’s financial and volunteer
support.
“My involvement in this program dates back five years when we
first started doing epilepsy art therapy in Chicago, and it was a
dream of mine to make this possible throughout the country,” said
Jill Gattone, manager of epilepsy advocacy and patient support at
Lundbeck, and co-author of the study. “The transformation in terms
of increased self-expression, confidence and friendships at every
Studio E program compel us to keep improving and expanding this
wonderful program.”
About the Study
Nine Studio E programs were included in the study, which
enrolled 67 people living with epilepsy.1 Master’s degree level art
therapists were trained in the program and facilitated the groups
using an open studio model of art therapy for 3 hours each week.
Art therapists provided a variety of art materials and invited
participants to set an intention, make art, write about their
experience, and share with others.1 Pre- and post-intervention
outcomes were measured using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES)
and the Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory-10 (QOLIE-10).1
Program participants showed significant improvements in
self-esteem, as measured by the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, after
participating in the art therapy program (t=1.796, p=0.03).
Self-esteem measures in the study included feelings of self-worth,
self-respect, and ability to do things as well as most other
people.1 In addition, only eight people dropped from the study,
suggesting participants found this to be a useful program.1
Because of the success of the art therapy program, a randomized
controlled trial is in development to provide further evidence of
the impact of Studio E.
About Studio E
Studio E is a 6-8 week program consisting of weekly 3-hour
sessions. It is open to all people living with epilepsy.
Participants create art using a variety of mediums, such as
painting, sketching, collaging and sculpting, and work with
professional art therapists who encourage freedom of expression and
open sharing. Participants socialize with others affected by
seizures and, using art, open up honestly about daily
challenges.
To raise awareness of epilepsy, seizures, and the role of art
making as therapy, artwork by Studio E participants is currently on
display at AES, as well as in public locations and doctor’s offices
around the country.
People living with epilepsy can learn more about Studio E by
visiting www.epilepsy.com. Artwork from the Studio E program can be
viewed online at www.YourPartnerInEpilepsy.com.
About Epilepsy
When a person has two or more unprovoked seizures, they have
epilepsy,2 which affects nearly 3 million people in the United
States3 and 65 million people worldwide.2 This year, another
150,000 people in our country will be diagnosed with epilepsy.3
About the Epilepsy
Foundation
The Epilepsy Foundation, a national non-profit with 48
affiliated organizations throughout the United States, has led the
fight against seizures since 1968. The Foundation is an unwavering
ally for individuals and families impacted by epilepsy and
seizures. The mission of the Epilepsy Foundation is to stop
seizures and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), find a
cure and overcome the challenges created by epilepsy through
efforts including education, advocacy and research to accelerate
ideas into therapies. The Foundation works to ensure that people
with seizures have the opportunity to live their lives to their
fullest potential. For additional information, please visit
www.epilepsy.com.
About Lundbeck in the
U.S.
Lundbeck in the U.S., headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of H. Lundbeck A/S in Denmark. Globally,
our mission is to help people suffering from psychiatric and
neurologic disorders. To drive this mission in the U.S., nearly 800
employees are engaged in the research, development, production,
marketing and sale of innovative specialty therapies that fulfill
unmet medical needs. We see the person behind the disease and how
it affects the lives of patients, families and caregivers. Lundbeck
is actively involved with hundreds of local and national U.S.
events each year that support our patient communities. To learn
more, visit us at www.LundbeckUS.com and connect with us on Twitter
at @LundbeckUS.
Sources
1. Buelow JM, Vitko LR, Gattone JM. “The Impact of an
Art Therapy Program on Self-Esteem and Quality of Life in People
with Epilepsy.” American Epilepsy Society Annual Meeting 2014.
Abstract #3.321.
2. Epilepsy Foundation. About Epilepsy: The
Basics.
http://www.epilepsy.com/learn/about-epilepsy-basics.
Accessed 11/17/14.
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Epilepsy Basics: Frequently Asked Questions.
http://www.cdc.gov/epilepsy/basics/faqs.htm. Accessed
11/17/14.
UBR-D-00203
LundbeckMatt Flesch847-282-1154MFLE@Lundbeck.com
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