Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: A current overview

Abstract

SUMMARYPsychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) resemble epilepsy, but no pathophysiological explanation has been established. Although there have been recent advances in PNES research and various hypotheses as to the psychopathology, no theory has achieved general acceptance. In this overview of selected literature on PNES, we highlight the often contradictory findings that underline the challenges that confront both practitioner and researcher. We first provide a synopsis of the history, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes, as well as patient characteristics of PNES and the relevance of communication in the clinical context. In the subsequent sections we discuss recent research that may advance the understanding and diagnosis of this disorder. These themes include the use of qualitative methods as a viable research option, the application of nonlinear methods to analyze heterogeneous observations during diagnosis, recent advances in neuroimaging of PNES, and the development of international databases.

Social participation in young people with nonepileptic seizures (NES): A qualitative study of managing legitimacy in everyday life

“…However, qualitative research on NES is generally lacking [2,3]. While some studies have investigated the experiences of individuals with NES in relation to their interactions with healthcare services [4 -7], and how they understand their condition [3,[8][9][10][11][12][13], we have found only one study that focused particularly on experiences in everyday life [14].…”

What patients say about living with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: A systematic synthesis of qualitative studies

“…PNES is a complex and controversial disorder that remains poorly understood and managed in the clinical setting [2]. Nevertheless, PNES is a common neuropsychiatric condition which is often misdiagnosed as ES due to the similarities in presentation, frequently resulting in prolonged treatment with anti-epileptic drugs (AED), and avoided by many healthcare providers [1,3,4,5].…”

Seizure semiology in males with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures is associated with somatic complaints

“…Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) are paroxysmal events that mimic epileptic seizures (ES) but have psychological rather than neurological underpinnings and may be treatable with behavioral therapies (Dickinson and Looper, 2012). Although a careful clinical history and consideration of the behavioral components of the events (i.e.…”