Research on the Impact of VSS on Everyday Life and Wellbeing
Kathryn Drury, a third-year Psychology student at Bournemouth University in England, is conducting a dissertation study on the psychological effects of Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS) on daily life and well-being. Kathryn, personally affected by VSS, states that while research on the physical and biological causes is ongoing, her aim is to contribute valuable qualitative research to better understand how individuals are impacted by the condition.
Previous research, such as The Psychiatric Symptomology of Visual Snow Syndrome, funded by the Visual Snow Initiative, scientifically confirmed that VSS is a neurological disorder—rather than a psychological condition—characterized by both visual and non-visual symptoms. In addition to the direct impact of symptoms, the study highlighted how factors such as medical misdiagnoses, marginalization, mistreatment, and isolation can affect the well-being of those with VSS, potentially triggering or exacerbating derealization, anxiety, depression, and other challenges.
Supervised by Dr. Emily Arden-Close, Principal Academic in Psychology at Bournemouth University, this new study aims to deepen our understanding of the impact VSS has on everyday life and well-being through qualitative analysis.
Who Can Participate?
To participate, you must:
- Be over 18 years old
- Be from the UK
- Have been diagnosed with Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS)
What Will You Be Asked to Do?
Participation involves a semi-structured interview, which will take approximately 60 minutes. The interview will explore what it’s like to live with VSS, how it affects daily life, and its impact on wellbeing. The findings from this study aim to enhance the understanding of VSS and provide valuable insights that can help support individuals living with this condition, especially in workplaces and other areas of daily life.
How to Participate?
If you’re interested in participating or have any questions, please contact Kathryn at [email protected].
