Treatment Of Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures Research Articles

Diagnostic and treatment practices for psychogenic nonepileptic and epileptic seizures in Namibia

PurposeInformation about existing healthcare resources for the management of seizures in developing countries is lacking. These countries are often poorly equipped to deal with the immense burden of costs, mortality, stigma, seizure-related disability, and comorbidities presented by seizure disorders. This study aimed to contribute to the goals of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) by investigating the resources available for patients with seizure in Namibia. MethodsTwo separate surveys on the diagnostic and treatment practices for epileptic seizures (ES) and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) were administered to private healthcare practitioners (HCPs) in Namibia. ResultsThe findings are based on 50 responses from HCPs involved in the management of seizures. The responses indicate that HCPs have less confidence in their ability to manage PNES than ES. Psychological/psychiatric assessments are seldom utilized. Although HCPs engage in face-to-face communication of diagnoses, they seldom refer patients to additional sources of information. Healthcare practitioners follow up patients with ES more regularly than those with PNES. Healthcare practitioners indicated their willingness to collaborate and recognize the role of traditional health practitioners (THPs) in a supportive capacity when it comes to the management of seizures. Financial constraints, limited availability of specialized equipment, and lack of knowledge and awareness regarding seizure disorders among both HCPs and patients were mentioned as major obstacles in accessing healthcare services. ConclusionThe findings of this study add to the current literature by demonstrating some of the particular characteristics of HCPs from a lower middle-income African country regarding the diagnosis and treatment of PNES and ES.

Access to diagnostic and therapeutic facilities for psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: An international survey by the ILAE PNES Task Force.

Studies from a small number of countries suggest that patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) have limited access to diagnostic and treatment services. The PNES Task Force of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) carried out 2 surveys to explore the diagnosis and treatment of PNES around the world. A short survey (8 questions) was sent to all 114 chapters of the ILAE. A longer survey (36 questions) was completed by healthcare professionals who see patients with seizures. Questions were separated into 5 sections: professional role, diagnostic methods, management, etiology, and access to health care. Responses were received from 63 different countries. The short survey was completed by 48 ILAE chapters, and the long survey by 1098 health professionals from 28 countries. PNES were recognized as a diagnostic and therapeutic problem in all countries. Trauma and mental health issues were most commonly recognized as etiologic factors. There was a clear relationship between income and access to diagnostic tests and expertise. Psychological therapy was most commonly considered the treatment of choice. Although financial difficulties were the most commonly reported problem with service access in low-income countries, in all countries stigma, lack of popular awareness, and lack of information posed challenges. This global provider survey demonstrates that PNES are a health problem around the world. Health care for PNES could be improved with better education of healthcare professionals, the development of reliable and simple diagnostic procedures that do not rely on costly tests, and the provision of accessible information.

PNES around the world: Where we are now and how we can close the diagnosis and treatment gaps-an ILAE PNES Task Force report.

SummaryAn international consensus clinical practice statement issued in 2011 ranked psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) among the top three neuropsychiatric problems. An ILAE PNES Task Force was founded and initially charged with summarizing the current state of the art in terms of diagnosis and treatment, resulting in two publications. The first described different levels of diagnostic certainty. The second summarized current knowledge of management approaches. The present paper summarizes an international workshop of the ILAE PNES Task Force that focused on the current understanding and management of PNES around the world. We initially provide a knowledge update about the etiology, epidemiology, and prognosis of PNES—in adults and in special patient groups, such as children, older adults, and those with intellectual disability. We then explore clinical management pathways and obstacles to optimal care for this disorder around the world by focusing on a number of countries with different cultural backgrounds and at very different stages of social and economic development (United Kingdom, U.S.A., Zambia, Georgia, China, and Japan). Although evidence‐based methods for the diagnosis and treatment of PNES have now been described, and much is known about the biopsychosocial underpinnings of this disorder, this paper describes gaps in care (not only in less developed countries) that result in patients with PNES not having adequate access to healthcare provisions. A range of challenges requiring solutions tailored to different healthcare systems emerges. Continued attention to PNES by the ILAE and other national and international neurologic, psychiatric, and health organizations, along with ongoing international collaboration, should ensure that patients with PNES do not lose out as healthcare services evolve around the world.

An analysis of quality of life (QOL) in patients with epilepsy and comorbid psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) after vagus nerve stimulation (VNS).

Patients with epilepsy (PWE) may suffer from comorbid psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES). The efficacy of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in the treatment of epilepsy and depression is established, however the impact on PNES is unknown. Since many patients with PNES have comorbid depression, we explored the impact on quality of life (QOL) that VNS has on PWE and PNES. The video electroencephalogram (vEEG) of all patients who underwent VNS at our institution was reviewed. Patients diagnosed with both psychogenic seizures and epileptic seizures on their vEEG were included in this study. These patients were contacted, and given a QOLIE-31 survey to assess their quality of life after VNS. Patients also completed a separate survey created by our group to categorize the quartile of their improvement. Pre-operative psychiatric disease was retrospectively reviewed. From a period of 2001 to 2016, 518 patients underwent placement of VNS for drug resistant epilepsy (DRE) at our institution. In total, 16 patients were diagnosed with both epilepsy and PNES. 11/16 patients responded to our questionnaire and survey. 9 out of 11 patients felt that their epileptic seizures had improved after VNS, while 7 of the 11 patients felt that their psychogenic episodes had improved. 2(28.6%), 1 (14.3%), and 4 (57.1%) of participants said their PNES improved by 25-50%, 50-75%, and 75-100%, respectively. 3(27.3%), 3 (27.3%), 1 (9.1%), and 4 (36.4%) of the participants said their epileptic seizures improved by 0-25%, 25-50%, 50-75%, and 75-100%, respectively. The average overall score for quality of life for the study participants was found to be 51 (±8) out of 100. Patients with epilepsy and comorbid PNES may benefit from VNS. It is unclear whether the benefit is conferred strictly from decreased epileptic seizure burden. The possible effect on PNES may be related to the known effect of VNS on depression. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the role of VNS in the treatment of PNES and possibly other psychiatric disease.

Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: Namibian healthcare providers’ perceptions and frustrations

PurposeMost studies conducted on the diagnosis and treatment of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) have been performed in developed countries with developing countries, such as Namibia, receiving less attention. This study aimed to contribute to the aims of The International League against Epilepsy Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizure Task Force by investigating the perceptions and frustrations of healthcare providers (HCPs) in Namibia regarding the diagnosis and treatment of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures. MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with fifteen HCPs from the private healthcare sector in Namibia. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the semi-structured interviews in order to identify themes and subthemes within the data. ResultsMain themes centred on the areas of diagnosis, treatment, patients and awareness. It was found that HCPs’ perceptions and frustrations were often related to the lack of knowledge and awareness regarding the disorder. Furthermore, the lack of access to specialized services and equipment contributed to HCPs’ frustrations. Delays in the diagnosis of PNES added to HCPs’ concerns regarding ineffective referral practices and the subsequent increase in healthcare costs. Although HCPs expressed the need for adequate training opportunities and increased awareness concerning the disorder, the lack of such opportunities and awareness campaigns were identified as possible problem areas. ConclusionsIt was evident from the findings that there are several gaps in how PNES are diagnosed and treated in Namibia. The unique challenges faced by a developing country such as Namibia were evident in some of the subthemes that highlighted the cultural differences in how PNES are conceptualized and treated.

Psychological interventions for psychogenic non-epileptic seizures: A meta-analysis

Introduction and objectivePsychological interventions for psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) show promising results. The aim of this meta-analysis is to evaluate and synthesize the available evidence from the previous 20 years regarding the utility of psychological interventions in the management of PNES.MethodStudies were retrieved from MEDLINE via OvidSP and PsychINFO. Selection criteria included controlled and before-after non-controlled studies including case series, using seizure frequency as an outcome measurement. Studies were required to assess one or more types of psychological intervention for the treatment of PNES in adults. Data from 13 eligible studies was pooled to examine the effectiveness of psychological interventions in treating PNES on two primary outcomes: seizure reduction of ≥ 50% and seizure freedom. A meta-analysis was conducted with data extracted from 228 participants with PNES.ResultsInterventions reviewed in the analysis included CBT, psychodynamic therapy, paradoxical intention therapy, mindfulness, psychoeducation and eclectic interventions. Meta-analysis synthesized data from 13 studies with a total of 228 participants with PNES, of varied gender and age. Results showed 82% of people with PNES who complete psychotherapy experience a reduction in seizures of ≥50%. Additional meta-analysis synthesized data from 10 studies with a total of 137 participants with PNES. This analysis found 47% of people with PNES are seizure free upon completion of a psychological intervention.ConclusionThe studies identified were diverse in nature and quality. Findings highlight the potential for psychological interventions as a favorable alternative to the current lack of treatment options offered to people with PNES.Disclosure of interestThe author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.

The respiratory control of carbon dioxide in children and adolescents referred for treatment of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures

Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) are a common problem in paediatric neurology and psychiatry that can best be understood as atypical responses to threat. Threats activate the body for action by mediating increases in arousal, respiration, and motor readiness. In previous studies, a range of cardiac, endocrine, brain-based, attention-bias, and behavioral measures have been used to demonstrate increases in arousal, vigilance, and motor readiness in patients with PNES. The current study uses respiratory measures to assess both the motor readiness of the respiratory system and the respiratory regulation of CO2. Baseline respiratory rates during clinical assessment and arterial CO2 levels during the hyperventilation component of routine video electroencephalogram were documented in 60 children and adolescents referred for treatment of PNES and in 50 controls. Patients showed elevated baseline respiratory rates [t(78) = 3.34, p = .001], with 36/52 (69%) of patients [vs. 11/28 (39%) controls] falling above the 75th percentile (χ2 = 6.7343; df = 1; p = .009). Twenty-eight (47%) of patients [vs. 4/50 (8%) controls] showed a skewed hyperventilation-challenge profile—baseline PCO2 <36 mmHg, a trough PCO2 ≤ 20 mmHg, or a final PCO2 <36 mmHg after 15 min of recovery—signaling difficulties with CO2 regulation (χ2 = 19.77; df = 1; p < .001). Children and adolescents with PNES present in a state of readiness-for-action characterized by high arousal coupled with activation of the respiratory motor system, increases in ventilation, and a hyperventilation-challenge profile shifted downward from homeostatic range. Breathing interventions that target arousal, decrease respiratory rate, and normalize ventilation and arterial CO2 may help patients shift brain–body state and avert PNES episodes.

Psychological interventions for psychogenic non-epileptic seizures: A meta-analysis

PurposeThe aim of this meta-analysis is to evaluate and synthesize the available evidence from the previous 20 years regarding the utility of psychological interventions in the management of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES). MethodStudies were retrieved from MEDLINE via OvidSP and PsychINFO. Selection criteria included controlled and before-after non-controlled studies including case series, using seizure frequency as an outcome measurement. Studies were required to assess one or more types of psychological intervention for the treatment of PNES in adults. Data from 13 eligible studies was pooled to examine the effectiveness of psychological interventions in treating PNES on two primary outcomes: seizure reduction of 50% or more and seizure freedom. A meta-analysis was conducted with data extracted from 228 participants with PNES. ResultsInterventions reviewed in the analysis included CBT, psychodynamic therapy, paradoxical intention therapy, mindfulness and psychoeducation and eclectic interventions. Meta-analysis synthesized data from 13 studies with a total of 228 participants with PNES, of varied gender and age. Results showed 47% of people with PNES are seizure free upon completion of a psychological intervention. Additional meta-analysis synthesized data from 10 studies with a total of 137 participants with PNES. This analysis found 82% of people with PNES who complete psychological treatment experience a reduction in seizures of at least 50%. ConclusionThe studies identified for this analysis were diverse in nature and quality. The findings highlight the potential for psychological interventions as a favorable alternative to the current lack of treatment options offered to people with PNES.

Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures.

Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) are diagnosed in at least 10-40% of the patients seen for long-term monitoring of epilepsy, and it is no surprise that patients with PNES are often treated for epilepsy. Given the substantial economic costs and mental health burden of misdiagnosis, it is imperative to establish early identification, correct diagnosis, and effective treatment of PNES in order to provide the greatest opportunity for remission of events, improved psychological functioning, and social-vocational outcome. This article outlines an informed, practical approach to diagnosing this common condition and provides a summary of factors, based on medical history and semiology, that may suggest PNES. We discuss also the issues of communicating the diagnosis to the patient and making treatment recommendations which should ideally be coordinated using a multi-disciplinary team approach, involving the disciplines of neurology, psychiatry, psychology, social work, and nursing.

Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: overview and implications for practice

Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures are enigmatic disorders at the interface of neurology and psychiatry. Seizures resemble epileptic seizures but are not associated with electrical discharges in the brain. Symptoms typically start in early adulthood and women are far more affected than men. Video-EEG is widely considered to be the gold standard for diagnosis. Still psychogenic nonepileptic seizures are often misdiagnosed and treated as epilepsy for years that is burdensome to patients and costly to the healthcare system. Patients having psychogenic nonepileptic seizures show a high prevalence of traumatic life events, therefore, psychosocial factors are thought to play an important role in the etiology. Neurobiological factors may also contribute to the development of seizures as a subgroup of patients are characterized by cognitive impairment and subtle structural and functional brain abnormalities. Treatment includes psychotherapeutic procedures, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy and additional pharmacological interventions. This article presents an overview of the clinical context, diagnosis, etiology and treatment of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures.

Nonepileptic seizures: an updated review.

Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) are a functional neurological disorder/conversion disorder subtype, which are neurobehavioral conditions at the interface of neurology and psychiatry. Significant advancements over the past decade have been made in the diagnosis, management, and neurobiological understanding of PNES. This article reviews published PNES research focusing on semiologic features that distinguish PNES from epileptic seizures, consensus diagnostic criteria, the intersection of PNES and other comorbidities, neurobiological studies, evidence-based treatment interventions, and outcome studies. Epidemiology and healthcare utilization studies highlight a continued unmet medical need in the comprehensive care of PNES. Consensus guidelines for diagnostic certainty are based on clinical history, semiology of witnessed typical event(s), and EEG findings. While certain semiologic features may aid in the diagnosis of PNES, the gold standard remains capturing a typical event on video electroencephalography (EEG) showing the absence of epileptiform activity with history and semiology consistent with PNES. Medical-neurologic and psychiatric comorbidities are prevalent in PNES; these should be assessed in diagnostic evaluations and integrated into treatment interventions and prognostic considerations. Several studies, including a pilot, multicenter, randomized clinical trial, have now demonstrated that a cognitive behavioral therapy-informed psychotherapy is an efficacious treatment for PNES, and additional efforts are necessary to evaluate the utility of pharmacologic and other psychotherapy treatments. Neuroimaging studies, while requiring replication, suggest that PNES may occur in the context of alterations within and across sensorimotor, emotion regulation/processing, cognitive control, and multimodal integration brain systems. Future research could investigate similarities and differences between PNES and other somatic symptom disorders.

A Therapeutic Approach to Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures.

The diagnosis of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) is usually made in the seizure monitoring unit (SMU; also commonly named the epilepsy monitoring unit) after PNES are recorded on video-EEG. The diagnosis should be discussed with the patient thoroughly. The discussion should focus on how the diagnosis was reached and that the diagnosis is real and treatable. When the diagnosis is communicated well, some patients may improve significantly without further interventions. Next, a psychiatric evaluation should be completed, ideally before discharge from the SMU. After discharge, the patient should undergo cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), the only treatment for PNES that is supported by high-quality evidence. Other therapies, including psychodynamic therapy and different types of group therapy can be considered in some patients, although high-level evidence to support their use is lacking. Some patients may benefit from selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), especially when psychiatric comorbidities are present. This should be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Semiological and psychiatric characteristics of children with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: Gender-related differences

PurposeTo compare semiological characteristics, precipitating stress factors and psychiatric diagnoses of girls and boys with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNESs). MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed medical records of children diagnosed with PNES and who also underwent psychiatric evaluation. Sixty-two children (44 girls, 18 boys), aged 11-18 years (mean age 14.19±1.96 years) were included. Diagnosis of PNES was established by any of the following: (1) observation of the seizure by a neurologist and routine EEG, (2) evaluation of amateur video records of the typical seizure and routine EEG, or (3) video-EEG monitoring. Psychiatric examinations of patients were performed using the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Age Children-Present and Lifetime Version (KSADS-PL). ResultsTremor was the most prevalent ictal motor sign in both girls and boys. Atonic falls and longer episodes were significantly more frequent in girls than boys. Tonic–clonic-like movements of the extremities were significantly more prevalent in boys than girls. No gender-specific differences were observed in the rates of semiological types. Academic underachievement was the most prevalent precipitating stressor for boys, and was significantly more prevalent in boys than girls. The rate of major depression was significantly higher in girls than boys. The most prominent diagnosis in boys was attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and this was significantly more prevalent than in girls. ConclusionPNES in males of juvenile age may be a distinct entity from that in girls with different semiological and psychogenic correlates. Consideration of these gender-related differences may be beneficial for the early recognition and treatment of PNES.

A review of the clinical approach and challenges to psychogenic non-epileptic seizures

Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) is a relevant differential diagnosis in epilepsy clinics because of its high prevalence and impact on patient’s lives and health care services. An approach to the diagnosis and treatment of PNES is important, and many issues make the subject challenging. Video electroencephalography (VEEG) is considered the gold-standard for PNES diagnosis but there is still risk for false positive and false negative results, both with potential dire consequences. VEEG should be planned and analyzed with caution, as well as paired with other clinical variables in order to increase its predictive value. The frequent coexistence of epilepsy among PNES patients makes diagnosis and treatment even more complex. The clinician should always mind that possibility, which has important implications for diagnosis and treatment of the PNES. Patients’ understanding and acceptance of the disorder as well as health care professionals’ attitude towards the patients have impact on prognosis. Proper and coherent communication is important for patients’ acceptance of diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.

Biopsychosocial predictors of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures

Previous studies have identified numerous biological, psychological and social characteristics of persons with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) however the strength of many of these factors have not been evaluated to determine which are predictive of the diagnosis compared to those that may only be stereotypes with limited clinical utility. A retrospective chart review of persons admitted to our epilepsy monitoring unit over a 6-year period was conducted to examine predictors of a video-EEG confirmed PNES diagnosis. A total of 689 patients had events leading to a diagnosis, 47% (n=324) with PNES only, 12% (n=84) with PNES & Epilepsy and 41% (n=281) with Epilepsy only. Five biological predictors of a PNES only diagnosis were found; number of years with events (OR=1.10), history of head injury (OR=1.91), asthma (OR=2.94), gastro-esophageal reflux disease (OR=1.72) and pain (OR=2.25). One psychological predictor; anxiety (OR=1.72) and two social predictors; being married (OR=1.81) and history of physical/sexual abuse (OR=3.35). Two significant biological predictors of a PNES & Epilepsy diagnosis were found; migraine (OR=1.83) and gastro-esophageal reflux disease (OR=2.17). Our findings support the importance of considering the biopsychosocial model for the diagnosis and treatment of PNES or PNES with concomitant epilepsy.

Abnormal functional connectivity density in psychogenic non-epileptic seizures

Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) are paroxysmal behaviors that resemble epileptic seizures but lack abnormal electrical activity. Some neuroimaging studies have reported that PNES exhibits aberrant functional connectivity in specific brain networks. Thus, advanced neuroimaging technologies may aid clinical diagnosis and treatment of PNES. We investigated changes in brain functional connectivity in 18 patients with PNES and 20 healthy controls. Functional connectivity density mapping (FCDM), a voxelwise data-driven technique, was employed to compute local and global FCD maps. Then, short-range and long-range FCD values were calculated and group analyses performed between patents with PNES and healthy controls. A correlation analysis with clinical variables was also performed. We found that patients with PNES showed abnormal FCD regions mainly in the frontal cortex, sensorimotor cortex, cingulate gyrus, insula and occipital cortex. Seed-voxel correlation analyses also showed disrupted functional connectivity between these regions. In addition, the occipital cortex FCD correlated with duration of disease. The present results support the hypothesis that patients with PNES are associated with altered attention, sensorimotor and emotion systems. Furthermore, correlations between altered regions in the occipital cortex and duration of disease may reflect an adaptation in these patients for long-term hypervigilance and increased response to external stimuli. This study adds new knowledge to our understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying PNES.

Closing the Major Gap in PNES Research: Finding a Home for a Borderland Disorder.

Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) are events commonly encountered by primary care physicians, neurologists, pediatricians, and emergency medicine physicians in their practices, yet there continues to be significant variability in the way they are evaluated, diagnosed, and treated. Lack of understanding this condition and limited data on long-term outcome from current treatment paradigms have resulted in an environment with iatrogenic injury, morbidity, and significant costs to the patient and healthcare system. This article will review the current state of research addressing PNES treatment both in the adult and pediatric populations.

Psychiatric disorders in patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures and drug-resistant epilepsy: A study of an Argentine population

Epidemiological data show that up to 20–30% of patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNESs), resembling drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE), are referred to tertiary epilepsy centers. Furthermore, both disorders present high psychiatric comorbidity, and video-EEG is the gold standard to make differential diagnoses. In this study, we described and compared the clinical presentation and the frequency of psychiatric disorders codified in DSM IV in two groups of patients, one with PNESs and the other with DRE, admitted in a tertiary care epilepsy center of Buenos Aires, Argentina.We included 35 patients with PNESs and 49 with DRE; all were admitted in the video-EEG unit in order to confirm an epilepsy diagnosis and determine surgical treatment possibilities. All patients underwent a neurological and psychiatric assessment, according to standardized protocol (SCID I and II; DSM IV criteria). Student's t test was performed to compare continuous variables and Chi square test to compare qualitative variables.In this study, 33 (67%) patients with DRE and 35 (100%) patients with PNESs met criteria for at least one disorder codified in Axis I of DSM IV (p=0.003). Differences in the frequency of psychiatric disorder presentation were found between groups. Anxiety disorders (16.32% vs 40%; p=0.015), trauma history (24.5% vs 48.57%; p=0.02), posttraumatic stress disorder (4.08% vs 22.85%; p=0.009), and personality cluster B disorders (18.37% vs 42.86%; p=0.02) were more frequent in the group with PNESs. Psychotic disorders were more frequent in the group with DRE (20.4% vs 2.85%; p=0.019). Depression was equally prevalent in both groups.Standardized psychiatric assessment provides information that could be used by the mental health professional who receives the referral in order to improve quality of care and smooth transitions to proper PNES treatment, which should include a multidisciplinary approach including neurology and psychiatry.

Cognitive behaviour therapy with a woman in her twenties with a mild intellectual disability presenting with psychogenic non‐epileptic seizures

PurposeThis case report aims to describe the treatment of a woman (Rachel) in her twenties who was referred to the community team for people with an intellectual disability by her neurologist as she wanted help with reducing the frequency of psychogenic non‐epileptic seizures (PNES).Design/methodology/approachCBT was used as the therapeutic approach. The first stage of intervention focussed on reducing the frequency of PNES through relaxation and distraction techniques. Graded exposure was then used to enable Rachel to achieve her goal of going on the bus alone. The intervention process was completed over 12 sessions.FindingsOutcome was measured using self‐report of seizure frequency. Rachel has successfully reduced the frequency of PNES from seven to two‐three per week, and has managed to successfully complete several bus journeys on her own, working through the hierarchy the authors had developed. The authors also completed pre and post therapy measures for anxiety and depression. Her scores on the Glasgow Anxiety Scale for Intellectual Disability reduced from 23 to 19 whilst she scored sub‐clinically on the Glasgow Depression Scale for Intellectual Disability.Originality/valueThis case report seeks to add to the evidence base of CBT as a viable treatment for PNES whilst also demonstrating that the approach can be adapted to meet the needs of clients with intellectual disabilities.

Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures: Predisposing factors to diminished quality of life

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to examine the factors that contribute to the reports of diminished quality of life (QOL) in patients with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES). MethodsWe assessed 62 patients with PNES for quality of life, anger expression and personality, and psychiatric, social and medical histories. ResultsDiagnosis of depression, pain syndromes, older age of onset and shorter duration of PNES correlated with poorer quality of life. Elevated anger state, trait and total anger scores correlated with worse quality of life and with Quality of Life in Epilepsy 31 subscales of emotional well-being, medication, cognitive and social effects, seizure worry, and fatigue. ConclusionOur study verifies reported correlations between depression and somatic symptoms and quality of life. A novel finding is that of a relationship between quality of life in PNES and anger expression. This result has important implications for psychotherapeutic treatment of PNES in that it provides a potentially modifiable target.