1
|
Underwood R, Falshaw L, McFarlane F. Psychoeducation interventions for people with non-epileptic seizures: A scoping review. Seizure 2024; 120:15-24. [PMID: 38889520 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2024.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and other psychological approaches have a growing evidence base for treating Non-Epileptic Seizures (NES). However, communication about the diagnosis can be difficult for clinicians and is not always well received. It is thought that Psychoeducation about NES may improve engagement with treatment such as CBT and may contribute to reductions in the frequency of seizures and improvements in health related quality of life. However, psychoeducational components of treatment are often not evaluated in isolation meaning the specific benefit to patients is not currently well understood. AIMS The researchers aimed to examine the outcomes associated with psychoeducational interventions and the content of these programmes for NES. METHOD A scoping review was undertaken across four databases with seventeen eligible studies identified which were charted to analyse the data. RESULTS Findings revealed that components and modalities of interventions varied as did methods of evaluating the interventions. A number of different outcome measures were used and not all studies reported the significance of findings. Results across studies were inconsistent; however, there was a general trend across the studies of symptom reduction and improvement in mental health. CONCLUSIONS Findings illustrate that psychoeducation has potential benefits as an intervention in its own right. However, it may be best placed as a second step in a stepped care model, between initial diagnosis and further psychological treatment. The present literature needs replication and more robust studies for more certain conclusions to be drawn.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Underwood
- Clinical Psychologist, The Oxford Institute for Clinical Psychology Training and Research, The Isis Education Centre, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, OX3 7JX, UK
| | - Lawson Falshaw
- Clinical Psychologist, The Oxford Institute for Clinical Psychology Training and Research, The Isis Education Centre, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, OX3 7JX, UK
| | - Fiona McFarlane
- Clinical Psychologist, The Oxford Institute for Clinical Psychology Training and Research, The Isis Education Centre, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, OX3 7JX, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Karterud HN, Otto Nakken K, Lossius MI, Tschamper M, Ingebrigtesen T, Henning O. Young people diagnosed with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) years ago - How are they now? Epilepsy Behav 2024; 157:109874. [PMID: 38851124 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2024.109874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Up to 30% of patients referred to epilepsy centres for drug-resistant epilepsy turn out to have psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES). Patients with PNES are a very heterogeneous population with large differences in regard to underlying causes, seizures severity, and impact on quality of life. There is limited knowledge regarding the long-term seizure prognosis of youth with PNES and its influential factors. METHODS We have performed a retrospective study on adolescents diagnosed with PNES who were receiving inpatient care at our hospital for 2-4 weeks in the period of 2012-2020. They all attended psychoeducational courses to educate them about PNES, coping with the seizures, and possible contributors to seizure susceptibility. There were 258 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. We contacted them by text messages, through which they received brief information about the study and an invitation to participate. There were 62 patients (24 %) who agreed and participated in structured telephone interviews. We excluded 10 patients due to concomitant epilepsy. The mean age of the remaining 52 participants was 20.9 years (16-28 years), and 45 (87 %) were women. RESULTS After a mean of 4.7 years (2-9 years) since discharge from our hospital, 28 patients (54 %) had been free of seizures in the last 6 months. There were 16 patients (31 %) who had better situations in regard to seizures but were not completely seizure free, while 8 patients (15 %) were either unchanged (3 patients) or worse (5 patients). There were 39 patients (75 %) who had received conversation therapy, and 37 patients (71 %) had been treated by a psychologist or psychiatrist. There were 10 patients (19 %) who had dropped out of school or work, and the percentage increased with age. There were 42 patients (80 %) who perceived their health as good or very good. CONCLUSION Patients had a relatively favourable seizure prognosis as 54% were free of seizures and 31% had a better seizure situation, at the time of this study. However, the fact that 19% had dropped out of school or work was worrying. Young age and satisfaction with treatment were associated with being employed or receiving education. Satisfaction with perceived treatment was significantly associated with personal experience of good health. This emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis, adapted interventional measures, and long-term follow-up by healthcare for young people with PNES.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hilde Nordahl Karterud
- National Centre for Epilepsy, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Full Member of EpiCARE European Reference Network for Rare and Complex epilepsy. Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Karl Otto Nakken
- National Centre for Epilepsy, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Full Member of EpiCARE European Reference Network for Rare and Complex epilepsy. Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Morten I Lossius
- National Centre for Epilepsy, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Full Member of EpiCARE European Reference Network for Rare and Complex epilepsy. Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Merete Tschamper
- National Centre for Epilepsy, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Full Member of EpiCARE European Reference Network for Rare and Complex epilepsy. Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trine Ingebrigtesen
- National Centre for Epilepsy, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Full Member of EpiCARE European Reference Network for Rare and Complex epilepsy. Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Oliver Henning
- National Centre for Epilepsy, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Full Member of EpiCARE European Reference Network for Rare and Complex epilepsy. Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chalder T, Landau S, Stone J, Carson A, Reuber M, Medford N, Robinson EJ, Goldstein LH. How does cognitive behavior therapy for dissociative seizures work? A mediation analysis of the CODES trial. Psychol Med 2024; 54:1725-1734. [PMID: 38197148 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291723003665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We compared dissociative seizure specific cognitive behavior therapy (DS-CBT) plus standardized medical care (SMC) to SMC alone in a randomized controlled trial. DS-CBT resulted in better outcomes on several secondary trial outcome measures at the 12-month follow-up point. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate putative treatment mechanisms. METHODS We carried out a secondary mediation analysis of the CODES trial. 368 participants were recruited from the National Health Service in secondary / tertiary care in England, Scotland, and Wales. Sixteen mediation hypotheses corresponding to combinations of important trial outcomes and putative mediators were assessed. Twelve-month trial outcomes considered were final-month seizure frequency, Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS), and the SF-12v2, a quality-of-life measure providing physical (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores. Mediators chosen for analysis at six months (broadly corresponding to completion of DS-CBT) included: (a) beliefs about emotions, (b) a measure of avoidance behavior, (c) anxiety and (d) depression. RESULTS All putative mediator variables except beliefs about emotions were found to be improved by DS-CBT. We found evidence for DS-CBT effect mediation for the outcome variables dissociative seizures (DS), WSAS and SF-12v2 MCS scores by improvements in target variables avoidance behavior, anxiety, and depression. The only variable to mediate the DS-CBT effect on the SF-12v2 PCS score was avoidance behavior. CONCLUSIONS Our findings largely confirmed the logic model underlying the development of CBT for patients with DS. Interventions could be additionally developed to specifically address beliefs about emotions to assess whether it improves outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Chalder
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - S Landau
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - J Stone
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - A Carson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - M Reuber
- Academic Neurology Unit, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - N Medford
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - E J Robinson
- King's College London, School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, London, UK
- Research Data and Statistics Unit, Royal Marsden Clinical Trials Unit, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Surrey, UK
| | - L H Goldstein
- Department of Psychology, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sobregrau P, Baillès E, Radua J, Carreño M, Donaire A, Setoain X, Bargalló N, Rumià J, Sánchez Vives MV, Pintor L. Design and validation of a diagnostic suspicion checklist to differentiate epileptic from psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES-DSC). J Psychosom Res 2024; 180:111656. [PMID: 38615590 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2024.111656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) are complex clinical manifestations and misdiagnosis as status epilepticus remains high, entailing deleterious consequences for patients. Video-electroencephalography (vEEG) remains the gold-standard method for diagnosing PNES. However, time and economic constraints limit access to vEEG, and clinicians lack fast and reliable screening tools to assist in the differential diagnosis with epileptic seizures (ES). This study aimed to design and validate the PNES-DSC, a clinically based PNES diagnostic suspicion checklist with adequate sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) to discriminate PNES from ES. METHODS A cross-sectional study with 125 patients (n = 104 drug-resistant epilepsy; n = 21 PNES) admitted for a vEEG protocolised study of seizures. A preliminary PNES-DSC (16-item) was designed and used by expert raters blinded to the definitive diagnosis to evaluate the seizure video recordings for each patient. Cohen's kappa coefficient, leave-one-out cross-validation (LOOCV) and balance accuracy (BAC) comprised the main validation analysis. RESULTS The final PNES-DSC is a 6-item checklist that requires only two to be present to confirm the suspicion of PNES. The LOOCV showed 71.4% BAC (Se = 45.2%; Sp = 97.6%) when the expert rater watched one seizure video recording and 83.4% BAC (Se = 69.6%; Sp = 97.2%) when the expert rater watched two seizure video recordings. CONCLUSION The PNES-DSC is a straightforward checklist with adequate psychometric properties. With an integrative approach and appropriate patient history, the PNES-DSC can assist clinicians in expediting the final diagnosis of PNES when vEEG is limited. The PNES-DSC can also be used in the absence of patients, allowing clinicians to assess seizure recordings from smartphones.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pau Sobregrau
- Psychology Faculty, University of Barcelona (UB), Barcelona 08007, Spain; Psychiatry Department, University Hospital Clinic of Barcelona (HCP), Barcelona 08036, Spain.
| | - Eva Baillès
- Psychiatry Department, Vall d'Hebron (VHIR), Barcelona 08035, Spain
| | - Joaquim Radua
- Biomedical Research Institute August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Mar Carreño
- Clinical Institute of Neurosciences, University Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona (HCP) 08036, Spain; Epilepsy Unit, Neurology Department, University Hospital Clinic of Barcelona (HCP), Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Antonio Donaire
- Clinical Institute of Neurosciences, University Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona (HCP) 08036, Spain; Epilepsy Unit, Neurology Department, University Hospital Clinic of Barcelona (HCP), Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Xavier Setoain
- Diagnostic Imaging Center, University Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona (HCP), Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Núria Bargalló
- Diagnostic Imaging Center, University Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona (HCP), Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Jordi Rumià
- Clinical Institute of Neurosciences, University Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona (HCP) 08036, Spain; Epilepsy Unit, Neurology Department, University Hospital Clinic of Barcelona (HCP), Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - María V Sánchez Vives
- Biomedical Research Institute August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain; Cognition Department, Development and Educational Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Barcelona (UB), Barcelona 08007, Spain
| | - Luis Pintor
- Psychiatry Department, University Hospital Clinic of Barcelona (HCP), Barcelona 08036, Spain; Biomedical Research Institute August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain; Clinical Institute of Neurosciences, University Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona (HCP) 08036, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yaraki PT, Yu YJ, AlKhateeb M, Mirsattari SM. Longitudinal Comparison of PNES spell and ASM reduction in PNES Patients with and without Epilepsy Discharged from an Epilepsy Monitoring Unit. Epilepsy Res 2024; 201:107319. [PMID: 38422801 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2024.107319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine trends of Antiseizure Medication (ASM) reduction and discontinuation, as well as Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizure (PNES) spell reduction and resolution in patients with PNES, with and without comorbid epileptic seizures (ES). METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on data from 145 patients with PNES, including 109 with PNES alone and 36 with PNES plus comorbid epilepsy. Patients were admitted to the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) between May 2000 and April 2008, with follow-up clinical data collected until September 2015. Clinical records were thoroughly examined, encompassing the period preceding the PNES diagnosis until either loss to follow-up or September 2015. A subsequent chart review was conducted by two neurologists, covering the period following the diagnosis of PNES until either loss to follow-up or September 2015, which ever came first. RESULTS Patients with PNES alone had higher rates of ASM reduction for all variables of ASM reduction measured compared to those with comorbid epilepsy (all at p < 001). Among patients with PNES alone, reductions in ASMs were observed after EMU discharge, but an uptick and plateau were seen in later follow-up years (100% of patients free of ASMs at years 2-3, 20% on at least one ASM by year 7). This pattern differs greatly in PNES + ES patients, in which the only time point at which any patient was able to discontinue all ASMs was at EMU discharge (4.5% of patients), with all patients taking at least one ASM for every other follow-up time point. Reductions in PNES spell frequency did not differ significantly between the two groups (for example PNES spells reduced at final FU 47.2% vs 42.9%, p = 0.65). In both groups, despite an initial drop in variables of PNES spell reduction and resolution in the early years post discharge, there is an eventual rebound and plateau (for example in PNES only patients, 33.9% of patients having no resolution in 1st year FU, which rises to 78% at years 4-5, and plateus around 52.8% at more than 7 years follow-up.) SIGNIFICANCE: This study contributes to the growing body of research focused on improving the current approach to management and prognostic outlook of PNES. Although PNES only patients had higher rates of ASM reduction, the uptick and plateau observed in later years highlights the challenges in managing PNES. Similarly, the continued persistence and rebound of PNES spells underline the continued poor prognostic outcomes associated with this condition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pouyan Tavakoli Yaraki
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada; Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Yeyao Joe Yu
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Mashael AlKhateeb
- Neurology Section, Department of Neurosciences, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Seyed M Mirsattari
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Diagnostic Imaging, Biomedical Imaging and Psychology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Tavakoli Yaraki P, Yu YJ, AlKhateeb M, Arevalo Astrada MA, Lapalme-Remis S, Mirsattari SM. EEG and MRI Abnormalities in Patients With Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures. J Clin Neurophysiol 2024; 41:56-63. [PMID: 35512191 DOI: 10.1097/wnp.0000000000000941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the rate of EEG and MRI abnormalities in psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) patients with and without suspected epilepsy. Patients were also compared in terms of their demographic and clinical profiles. METHODS A retrospective analysis of 271 newly diagnosed PNES patients admitted to the epilepsy monitoring unit between May 2000 and April 2008, with follow-up clinical data collected until September 2015. RESULTS One hundred ninety-four patients were determined to have PNES alone, 16 PNES plus possible epilepsy, 14 PNES plus probable epilepsy, and 47 PNES plus confirmed epilepsy. Fifty-seven of the 77 patients (74.0%) with possible, probable, or definite epilepsy exhibited epileptiform activity on EEG, versus only 16 of the 194 patients (8.2%) in whom epilepsy was excluded. Twenty-four of these 194 patients (12.4%) had MRI abnormalities. Three of 38 patients (7.9%) with both EEG and MRI abnormalities were confirmed not to have epilepsy. In PNES patients with EEG or MRI abnormalities compared with those without, patients with abnormalities were more likely to have epilepsy risk factors, such as central nervous system structural abnormalities, and less likely to report minor head trauma. The presence of EEG abnormalities in PNES-only patients did not influence antiseizure medication reduction, whereas those with MRI abnormalities were less likely to have their antiseizure medications reduced. CONCLUSIONS Psychogenic nonepileptic seizure patients without MRI or EEG abnormalities are less likely to have associated epilepsy, risk factors for epilepsy, and had different demographic profiles. There is a higher-than-expected level of EEG and MRI abnormalities in PNES patients without epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Yeyao J Yu
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Mashael AlKhateeb
- Neurology Section, Department of Neurosciences, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Samuel Lapalme-Remis
- Division of Neurology, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Seyed M Mirsattari
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department Biomedical Imaging and Psychology, Western University, London, ON, Canada ; and
- Department of Psychology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Uhlmann C, Schmid P. Long-term course of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: Who gets seizure-free, has better functional level and higher health-related quality of life? Epilepsy Behav 2023; 148:109463. [PMID: 37839244 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The disease course of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) over a prolonged period of time remains unclear. The aims of the study were: 1. to describe the course of illness with a median follow-up time of 4 years and a range of 2-15 years; and 2. to identify distinguishing features between participants regarding seizure cessation, functional level and health-related quality of life. METHODS Formerly, inpatients of an epileptic ward diagnosed with PNES between 2000 and 2013 were contacted via mail. They were asked by questionnaire about illness characteristics, i.e., age at onset, PNES status at onset and in the course, treatments, psychosocial situation, and quality of life status. RESULTS Two-thirds of the N = 63 formerly inpatients were female, their age at onset was 26.7 years. Seizure frequency decreased significantly over time, 31.7% were currently seizure-free, but still only 37% were regularly employed. Only 48% had a satisfying health-related quality of life. The remitted participants had a shorter duration of illness and higher health-related quality of life. Participants with a good level of functioning were more likely to be male, took fewer medications, and had a higher health-related quality of life. Those participants with higher quality of life were more frequently employed and had fewer seizures. CONCLUSIONS As participants continue to be severely limited in their functional level and quality of life over the period under review, enhanced treatment approaches that address experiential avoidance seem to be needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Uhlmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy I (Weissenau), Ulm University, Ulm, Germany; Centres for Psychiatry Suedwuerttemberg, Ravensburg, Germany
| | - Petra Schmid
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy I (Weissenau), Ulm University, Ulm, Germany; Centres for Psychiatry Suedwuerttemberg, Ravensburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Vasquez A, Hilliker DR, Wirrell EC. Pediatric psychogenic non-epileptic seizures: A retrospective observational cohort study at a quaternary center. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 146:109359. [PMID: 37499579 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) represent a common functional disorder in the pediatric population. We aimed to characterize pediatric PNES by describing their clinical characteristics, PNES semiologies, and healthcare pathway towards and after diagnosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS This was a retrospective, observational chart review of pediatric patients aged 6 to 18 years admitted between December 2020 and December 2021 for spell classification or suspected PNES. Psychogenic non-epileptic seizure diagnosis was made by the capture of a typical event on video electroencephalogram (vEEG). We used descriptive statistics to summarize demographic and clinical characteristics. RESULTS We included 26 patients (18 females, 69.2%) with a mean age (SD) of 13.9 (2.5) years. Pre-morbid neurologic and psychiatric conditions included: epilepsy (23.1%), migraine (46.2%), mild traumatic brain injury (26.9%), anxiety (57.7%), ADHD (34.6%), and depression (30.8%). Six patients (23.1%) had a prior diagnosis of PNES. 14 patients (53.8%) presented with convulsive, and 6 (23.1%) each with non-convulsive and mixed PNES. Patients were seen by a range of providers prior to diagnosis including ED providers (50%), neurologists (53.8%), pediatricians (34.6%), and psychology/psychiatry (11.5%). Emergency department evaluation occurred for 13 patients (50%) on 15 occasions, and six (23.1%) were admitted to the hospital. The median (p25-p75) time from PNES onset to presentation and diagnosis at our institution was 3.5 (1.5-6.2) and 4.1 (3-7) months, respectively. A total of 33 events from the 26 patients were captured on vEEG. The most frequent semiologies in our cohort were rhythmic motor (27.3%) followed by equal frequency (18.2%) of complex motor and dialeptic. Eighteen patients (69.2%) were followed after the PNES diagnosis, for a median (p25-p75) of 17.3 months (6.3-21) with variable outcome. CONCLUSION Pediatric PNES has female predominance and often presents with comorbid psychosocial stressors and psychiatric conditions. High clinical suspicion and early recognition are crucial to decrease healthcare utilization and establish timely diagnosis and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Vasquez
- Division of Child and Adolescent Neurology, Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Daniel R Hilliker
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychology and Psychiatry, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Elaine C Wirrell
- Division of Child and Adolescent Neurology, Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Chohan S, Chohan A, Asif M. Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures (PNES) in the Setting of Trauma and Schizophrenia. Case Rep Psychiatry 2023; 2023:6644876. [PMID: 37600763 PMCID: PMC10439830 DOI: 10.1155/2023/6644876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) are nonepileptic events characterized by seizure-like manifestations without abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Our case report illustrates the diagnostic journey of a young female with a history of schizophrenia and childhood trauma who had an initial misdiagnosis of epilepsy. The etiology of PNES is complex. Major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder are common comorbid conditions in these patients. Additionally, previous trauma has been linked as a predisposing factor for the development of PNES. Psychotic disorders, specifically schizophrenia, have only recently been associated with PNES. We explore this relationship in depth, while also underscoring the diagnostic and treatment challenges of PNES that clinicians must remain aware of.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ali Chohan
- Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, USA
| | - Muhamid Asif
- ProMedica Physicians Family Medicine Fremont, Third Avenue Suite D, Fremont, OH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Goldstein LH, Vitoratou S, Stone J, Chalder T, Baldellou Lopez M, Carson A, Reuber M. Performance of the GAD-7 in adults with dissociative seizures. Seizure 2023; 104:15-21. [PMID: 36462456 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2022.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Little is known about the accuracy of the GAD-7, a self-report anxiety measure, in detecting generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) in people with dissociative seizures (DS). We evaluated the reliability, validity and uniformity of the GAD-7 using a diagnosis of GAD on the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview as a reference. METHODS We assessed 368 adults with DS at the pre-randomisation phase of the CODES trial. Factor analysis for categorical data assessed GAD-7 uniformity. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed by estimating the area under the curve (AUC). We evaluated discriminant validity, reviewed data on convergent validity and calculated internal consistency. We explored correlations between GAD-7 scores and monthly DS frequency, frequency of severe seizures and measures of behavioural and emotional avoidance. RESULTS Internal consistency of the GAD-7 was high (α = 0.92). Factor analysis elicited one main factor and general measurement invariance. Diagnostic accuracy was fair (AUC = 0.72) but the best balance of sensitivity and specificity occurred at a cut-off of ≥12 and still had a specificity rate of only 68%. Discriminant and convergent validity were good. GAD-7 scores correlated positively with DS frequency, severe seizure frequency, behavioural and emotional avoidance (all p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Findings regarding internal consistency and factor structure parallel previous psychometric evaluations of the GAD-7. Correlations between GAD-7 scores and DS occurrence/severity and avoidance are evidence of the concept validity of GAD-7 and provide further support for a fear-avoidance treatment model for DS. However, the utility of the GAD-7 as a diagnostic instrument for generalised anxiety disorder is limited in patients with DS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura H Goldstein
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, PO77, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK.
| | - Silia Vitoratou
- Psychometrics and Measurement Lab, Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Jon Stone
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Trudie Chalder
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Maria Baldellou Lopez
- Centre for Implementation Science, Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Alan Carson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Markus Reuber
- Academic Neurology Unit, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Yang T, Roberts C, Winton-Brown T, Lloyd M, Kwan P, O'Brien TJ, Velakoulis D, Rayner G, Malpas CB. Childhood trauma in patients with epileptic vs nonepileptic seizures. Epilepsia 2023; 64:184-195. [PMID: 36300720 PMCID: PMC10100454 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Childhood trauma has been implicated as a risk factor for the etiology of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES). Relatively little attention has been paid to whether profiles of specific trauma types differ between patients with epilepsy and PNES. Investigating childhood trauma profiles in these patient groups may identify psychological vulnerabilities that predispose to developing PNES, and aid early diagnoses, prevention, and treatment. METHODS Data were collected from two cohorts (nRetrospective = 203; nProspective = 209) admitted to video-electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring units in Melbourne Australia. The differences in Childhood Trauma Questionnaire domain score between patient groups were investigated using standardized effect sizes and general linear mixed-effects models (GLMMs). Receiver-operating characteristic curves were used to investigate classification accuracy. RESULTS In the retrospective cohort, patients diagnosed with PNES reported greater childhood emotional abuse, emotional neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and physical neglect relative to patients with epilepsy. These differences were replicated in the prospective cohort, except for physical abuse. GLMMs revealed significant main effects for group in both cohorts, but no evidence for any group by domain interactions. Reported sexual abuse showed the best screening performance of PNES, although no psychometric scores were adequate as isolated measures. SIGNIFICANCE Patients with PNES report a greater frequency of childhood trauma than patients with epilepsy. This effect appears to hold across all trauma types, with no strong evidence emerging for a particular trauma type that is more prevalent in PNES. From a practical perspective, inquiry regarding a history of sexual abuse shows the most promise as a screening measure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianren Yang
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Caitlin Roberts
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Toby Winton-Brown
- Alfred Brain, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Psychiatry, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael Lloyd
- Alfred Brain, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Psychiatry, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Patrick Kwan
- Alfred Brain, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Terence J O'Brien
- Alfred Brain, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dennis Velakoulis
- Neuropsychiatry, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Genevieve Rayner
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Alfred Brain, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medicine, Austin Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Charles B Malpas
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Alfred Brain, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ercelebi H, Ozbudak P, Hirfanoglu T, Serdaroğlu A, Yilmaz U, Arhan E. Interobserver Reliability of A Recently Proposed Semiological Classification In Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures In Children. Epilepsy Res 2022; 188:107053. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2022.107053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
|
13
|
Neuropsychological performance and effort in patients diagnosed with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures - Descriptive study of a Czech sample. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 128:108584. [PMID: 35131734 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of the study was to examine the neuropsychological performance and effort in patients with a confirmed PNES diagnosis. The second aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between validity indicators from the cognitive battery with validity and clinical scales from a personality scale. METHOD Patients with PNES (N = 250; F:M 186:64; mean age 38.32 (13.23)) were assessed utilizing the RBANS (Czech Research version) to evaluate cognitive performance and to obtain the Effort Index. The MMPI-2 was used to evaluate personality and psychopathology. RESULTS Global cognitive performance was 0.92 SD below average (according to the Gaussian distribution) in patients with PNES. The lowest scores in the sample were in the Attention domain (-1.7SD). Insufficient effort was detected in 10% of patients. Education correlated negatively with the Effort index (rs = -0.25, p = 0.01). A mild significant correlation in Scale 7 (rs = 0.21, p = 0.01) and Scale 8 (rs = 0.24, p = 0.01), and a significant correlation between Effort Index and Back F Scale (rs = 0.23, p = 0.01) were noted. CONCLUSIONS Assessment of cognitive performance and effort is an essential part of the comprehensive evaluation of patients with PNES during their hospitalization at Epilepsy centers. Many aspects of the neuropsychological assessment can offer useful indications for reaching a differential diagnosis, including clinical history, behavioral observations, cognitive and symptom validity testing, and structured psychological inventories.
Collapse
|
14
|
Sakurai H, Kanemoto K. Quality of life for patients with psychogenic nonepilepsy seizures in comparison with age- and gender-matched patients with epilepsy - Cross-sectional study. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 128:108539. [PMID: 35124523 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES), and age- and gender-matched patients with epilepsy (PWE) who utilized an out-patient service were compared regarding quality of life (QoL) and self-reported symptoms of depression. Additionally, the impact of miscellaneous clinical variables including symptoms of depression on QoL in patients with PNES and PWE in real-world settings was assessed. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Adult patients who had a diagnosis of definite or documented PNES based on LaFrance's criteria (PNES group, n = 62), or of epilepsy based on results of clinical and EEG procedures (Epilepsy group, n = 61) were enrolled. To assess QoL and evaluate depression, the Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory-10 (QOLIE-10) and Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory for Epilepsy (NDDI-E), respectively, were administered. RESULTS Comparisons between the groups revealed a shorter duration of illness and fewer number of attacks in patients with PNES as compared to the Epilepsy group (p < 0.0001; p = 0.0003, respectively). There was no significant difference between the groups revealed by the QOLIE-10 (p = 0.141), while the patients with PNES tended to have higher NDDI-E scores (p = 0.068). Multiple regression analysis of QOLIE-10 results in the PNES group revealed that NDDI-E score was the sole significant contributor (β = -0.425 p = 0.001). In contrast, NDDI-E score as well as attack frequency had a significant impact on QOLIE-10 results in the Epilepsy group (β = -0.283 p = 0.026; β = -0.272 p = 0.031, respectively). CONCLUSION In PWE and patients with PNES who utilized an out-patient service, QoL did not differ significantly between those groups. For treating PNES, psychosocial factors may be a more appropriate indicator of therapeutic goal than attack frequency.
Collapse
|
15
|
Malda Castillo J, Beton E, Coman C, Howell B, Burness C, Martlew J, Russell L, Town J, Abbass A, Perez Algorta G, Valavanis S. Three sessions of intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy (ISTDP) for patients with dissociative seizures: a pilot study. PSYCHOANALYTIC PSYCHOTHERAPY 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/02668734.2021.2018623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Javier Malda Castillo
- Personality Disorder & Psychotherapy Hub, Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, Merseyside, UK
| | - Ella Beton
- Personality Disorder & Psychotherapy Hub, Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, Merseyside, UK
| | - Conor Coman
- Personality Disorder & Psychotherapy Hub, Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, Merseyside, UK
| | - Bethany Howell
- Personality Disorder & Psychotherapy Hub, Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, Merseyside, UK
| | - Chrissie Burness
- Functional Neurological Disorder Pathway, The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jayne Martlew
- Functional Neurological Disorder Pathway, The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Leo Russell
- Functional Neurological Disorder Service, Devon Partnership NHS Trust, Exeter, UK
| | - Joel Town
- The Centre for Emotions and Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Allan Abbass
- The Centre for Emotions and Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | | | - Sophie Valavanis
- Personality Disorder & Psychotherapy Hub, Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, Merseyside, UK
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
A pilot study assessing the feasibility and acceptability of Project UPLIFT adapted for patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 127:108525. [PMID: 34999503 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) are at elevated risk of multiple psychiatric comorbidities. Current treatment gaps highlight the need for time-limited, distance-delivered interventions that can be cost-effectively delivered to patients with PNES. Project UPLIFT is a self-management program addressing mood problems in epilepsy that has not previously been adapted for PNES. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of UPLIFT for patients with PNES. METHODS Project UPLIFT was minimally adapted by a multidisciplinary research group at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. Participants were recruited into a nonrandomized pilot study and were assessed at baseline, after completing the intervention, and at 1-month follow-up. RESULTS The intervention was adapted and delivered without additional modification. A total of eight participants enrolled in the trial, and six participated in the first session. All six participants who started UPLIFT completed the intervention, with a 98% attendance record across the eight sessions. At follow-up, 100% reported that UPLIFT provided useful tools for daily life. All participants continued using UPLIFT after completing the program, and 83% felt it helped with seizure management. Preliminary results provide proof-of-concept for future efficacy trials. CONCLUSION This study provides initial support for the feasibility and acceptability of Project UPLIFT, minimally adapted for patients with PNES. As a time-limited program that can be distance-delivered to groups of patients, UPLIFT may be well-suited for the healthcare environment brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Collapse
|
17
|
Fauvé P, Tyvaert L, Husson C, Hologne E, Gao X, Maillard L, Schwan R, Banasiak C, El–Hage W, Hossu G, Hingray C. Functional MRI-based study of emotional experience in patients with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures: Protocol for an observational case-control study–EMOCRISES study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262216. [PMID: 34995332 PMCID: PMC8741035 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Psychogenic non epileptic seizures (PNES) are a frequent, disabling and costly disorder for which there is no consensual caring. They are considered as a dissociative disorder and they share many common characteristics with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Nevertheless, their pathophysiology is still unclear. In this study, we plan to obtain new data comparing functional brain activity of participants suffering from PNES, from PTSD and healthy controls via functional brain MRI during resting state and under emotional visual stimulation. The protocol presented hereunder describes an observational study with no direct treatment implication. Nevertheless, it could lead to a better understanding of PNES and to identifying targets for specialised cares of post-traumatic or dissociative disorders, like repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation.
Methods & analysis
This is a prospective, single-centre, interventional, non-randomized, open, controlled and exploratory clinical study. It will involve 75 adult French, right-handed women in 3 groups, either suffering from PNES or PTSD, or healthy controls. An informed consent will be signed by each participant. All of them will be given psychiatric tests to assess dissociation and alexithymia, psychopathological profile and history, and emotional recognition. Each participant will undergo a functional brain MRI. We will record anatomical images and five functional imaging sequences including emotional periodic oscillatory stimulation, standard emotional stimulation, Go / No Go task under emotional stimulation, and resting state. Analysis will include a descriptive analysis of all participants and the treatment for functional magnetic resonance imaging images of each sequence.
Registration, ethics & dissemination
This study was approved the regional Protection of Persons Committee under the reference 16.10.01 and by the French National Medical Security Agency under the reference 2016-A01295-46. The protocol and results will be published in peer-reviewed academic medical journals and disseminated to research teams, databases, specialised media and concerned patients’ organisations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Fauvé
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie d’Adultes et d’Addictologie du Grand Nancy, Centre Psychothérapique de Nancy, Laxou, France
| | - Louise Tyvaert
- Faculté de Médecine de Nancy, Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
- Département de Neurologie, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Nancy, Nancy, France
- Centre de Recherche en Automatique de Nancy, U7039, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique et Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | - Cyril Husson
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie d’Adultes et d’Addictologie du Grand Nancy, Centre Psychothérapique de Nancy, Laxou, France
| | - Emmanuelle Hologne
- Faculté de Médecine de Nancy, Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
- Département de Neurologie, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Nancy, Nancy, France
| | - Xiaoqing Gao
- Center for Psychological Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Louis Maillard
- Faculté de Médecine de Nancy, Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
- Département de Neurologie, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Nancy, Nancy, France
- Centre de Recherche en Automatique de Nancy, U7039, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique et Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | - Raymund Schwan
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie d’Adultes et d’Addictologie du Grand Nancy, Centre Psychothérapique de Nancy, Laxou, France
- Faculté de Médecine de Nancy, Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Claire Banasiak
- Centre d’Investigation Clinique–Innovation Technologique, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Nancy, Nancy, France
| | - Wissam El–Hage
- iBrain, U1253, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale et Université de Tours, Tours, France
- Clinique Psychiatrique Universitaire, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Gabriela Hossu
- Centre d’Investigation Clinique–Innovation Technologique, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Nancy, Nancy, France
- IADI, U1254, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale et Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | - Coraline Hingray
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie d’Adultes et d’Addictologie du Grand Nancy, Centre Psychothérapique de Nancy, Laxou, France
- Département de Neurologie, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Nancy, Nancy, France
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Doss J. Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures in youth: Individual and family psychiatric characteristics. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1068439. [PMID: 36590633 PMCID: PMC9798111 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1068439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Youth with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) are an understudied group associated with significant medical and psychiatric morbidity. Several studies have examined characteristics associated with youth's development of this disorder, though the exploration of family factors including psychiatric illness, has been lacking. This study sought to establish the need for a more comprehensive future study. METHODS A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients who had been admitted and diagnosed with PNES at the epilepsy monitoring unit at Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota. A total of 62 patients were included. All patients were evaluated by an epileptologist and psychologist during their diagnostic admission. "Spells" in question were captured via video EEG monitoring. PNES youth and family risk factors were assessed. RESULTS Mean age of PNES symptom onset was 13.9 years. Patients (73%) were diagnosed within 6 months of onset of symptoms. Histories of other impairing somatic complaints were present in the youth (54%), with 67% having prior psychiatric diagnoses. Experiencing suicidal ideation or thoughts of self-harm occurred in 47% of this sample. Family members were unaware of the history of these symptoms with 12% of the parent's reporting awareness. Family history of psychiatric disorders (first-degree relatives of patient) was present in 54% of the sample, with anxiety, depression and conversion disorder being the most commonly endorsed diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS Youth with PNES present with comorbid psychiatric disorders, though prior assessment and treatment for these disorders was not common. Youth with PNES have history of suicidal ideation and thoughts of self-harm, though parental awareness of these co-occurring symptoms is limited. Family risk factors, such as history of psychiatric disorder in first degree relatives, was high. The impact of these family risk factors is understudied and should be further evaluated to better understand the impact on development and maintenance of this disorder in youth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Doss
- Julia Doss Clinic of Health Psychology, LLC, Minneapolis, MN, United States.,Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Coogle J, Coogle B, Quezada J. Hypnosis in the Treatment of Pediatric Functional Neurological Disorder: The Magic Glove Technique. Pediatr Neurol 2021; 125:20-25. [PMID: 34624606 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2021.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The treatment of functional neurological disorder (FND), previously referred to as conversion disorder, can be challenging. Despite these challenges and with increased understanding of this condition, new treatment options are emerging. One such treatment is hypnosis, which has a long history of use in the treatment of FND. Jean-Martin Charcot, considered by many to be the father of modern neurology, used therapeutic hypnosis as early as the 19th century. In this report, we discuss the novel use of a hypno-anesthetic technique (the magic glove) for treatment of FND presenting as diplegia. We illustrate the use of the technique with the case of a 9-year-old girl who suffered from chronic pain and lower extremity weakness secondary to FND. With the magic glove technique, she improved rapidly and was free of symptoms by her sixth month follow-up visit. We review the current literature on FND interventions and emphasize the need for continued research in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin Coogle
- Child Neurology Resident at Children's Mercy, Kansas City, Missouri.
| | - Brianna Coogle
- Internal Medicine Resident at The University of Kansas Health System and The University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Julio Quezada
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, University of Missouri, Kansas City, Missouri
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Asadi-Pooya AA, Brigo F, Tolchin B, Valente KD. Functional seizures are not less important than epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav Rep 2021; 16:100495. [PMID: 34805820 PMCID: PMC8585631 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebr.2021.100495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
People with functional seizures often suffer from psychiatric comorbidities. People with FS report detrimental effects on social aspects of their lives. FS are associated with a considerable direct and indirect economic burden. FS have increased rates of mortality compared to healthy controls.
Functional seizures (FS) are frequently encountered in neurology clinics, often affect young adults, and have significant negative impacts on many aspects of a person’s life. In the current narrative review, we searched the literature regarding some of the consequences of FS (i.e., psychiatric comorbidities, social consequences, costs that are associated with the condition, cognitive impairment in patients with FS, the quality of life of the people with FS, and the increased risk of mortality that is associated with FS). Evidence shows that FS have significant negative consequences, comparable in their magnitude to those affecting patients with epilepsy. The clinical and scientific communities should take steps to address these consequences through clinical care and research that prioritizes, facilitates, and expedites evidence-based diagnosis and treatment for FS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali A Asadi-Pooya
- Epilepsy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Jefferson Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Francesco Brigo
- Department of Neurology, Hospital of Merano (SABES-ASDAA), Merano-Meran, Italy
| | - Benjamin Tolchin
- Yale Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Kette D Valente
- Laboratory of Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Psychiatry, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Sawant NS, Umate MS. Dissociation, Stressors, and Coping in Patients of Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures. Indian J Psychol Med 2021; 43:479-484. [PMID: 35210675 PMCID: PMC8826194 DOI: 10.1177/0253717620956460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) commonly present both to neurologists and psychiatrists and include a wide range of psychopathology. In order to understand the demographics, dissociative experiences, stressful life events, abuse, and coping in these patients, this study was undertaken. METHODS This was a cross-sectional, observational study. A total of 71 patients of PNES, referred from neurology, were assessed on Dissociative Experience Scale (DES), Scale For Trauma and Abuse, Presumptive Stressful Life Events Scale (PSLES), and Ways of Coping Questionnaire to ascertain the dissociative experiences; the prevalence of trauma, abuse, and stressful life events, and the coping mechanisms. RESULTS Females predominated, with the duration of PNES up to 2 years. The mean ± SD total DES score was 38.14 ± 14.1, indicating high dissociation. On the PSLES, for the stressful life events in the last one year, the mean score was 98.28 ± 87.1. Marital and family conflicts and death were reported more. History of childhood or adult physical and sexual abuse was less reported. History of head trauma was present in 13 patients. Emotion-focused coping was used more than problem-solving strategies. CONCLUSIONS Very few Indian studies have looked into these nuances. This study has helped in improving the understanding of the various risk factors of PNES and the coping strategies, and in sensitizing psychiatrists and neurologists to enquire into trauma and abuse of these patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neena S Sawant
- Dept. of Psychiatry, Seth GSMC & KEM Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Maithili S Umate
- Dept. of Psychiatry, Grant Govt Medical College and Sir JJ Group of Hospitals, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Myers L, Sarudiansky M, Korman G, Baslet G. Using evidence-based psychotherapy to tailor treatment for patients with functional neurological disorders. Epilepsy Behav Rep 2021; 16:100478. [PMID: 34693243 PMCID: PMC8515382 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebr.2021.100478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional neurological disorder (FND) frequently presents with comorbid psychopathology (e.g., anxiety, depressive, post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD), somatic symptom and pain syndromes, and dissociative and personality disorders). It can become chronic and lead to unemployment and disability for many patients. Psychosocial factors play an important role in the onset and perpetuation of symptoms. Consequently, psychotherapy is recommended for the treatment of FND in general, and especially for the single symptom-based subtype of functional seizures (FS). Some of the psychotherapy approaches that have been utilized for FND include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), third wave approaches, and psychodynamic psychotherapies as well as group therapeutic and psychoeducational interventions. For patients with FS and PTSD, prolonged exposure therapy, a CBT-based treatment has been implemented. The purpose of this manuscript is to describe and analyze specific elements (e.g., theoretical foundations, tools, targets, definitions of success) of the main psychotherapeutic approaches used in patients with FND. Our premise is that these modalities will overlap considerably in some respects. We will conclude by discussing how discrete differences may render them more suitable for subgroups of patients with FND or for patients at different timepoints of their recovery process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorna Myers
- Northeast Regional Epilepsy Group, United States
| | - Mercedes Sarudiansky
- National Council for Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET), Institute of Research in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Guido Korman
- National Council for Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET), Institute of Research in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gaston Baslet
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Diagnostic accuracy of clinical signs and symptoms for psychogenic nonepileptic attacks versus epileptic seizures: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 121:108030. [PMID: 34029996 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychogenic nonepileptic attacks (PNEA) are events of altered behavior that resemble epileptic seizures (ES) but are not caused by abnormal electrical cortical activity. Understanding which clinical signs and symptoms are associated with PNEA may allow better triaging for video-electroencephalogram monitoring (VEM) and for a more accurate prediction when such testing is unavailable. METHODS We performed a systematic review searching Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central from inception to March 29, 2019. We included original research that reported at least one clinical sign or symptom, included distinct groups of adult ES and PNEA with no overlap, and used VEM for the reference standard. Two authors independently assessed quality of the studies using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool. Pooled estimates of sensitivity and specificity of studies were evaluated using a bivariate random effects model. RESULTS We identified 4028 articles, of which 33 were included. There was a female sex predominance in the PNEA population (n = 22). From our meta-analysis, pooled sensitivities (0.27-0.72) and specificities (0.51-0.89) for PNEA were modest for individual signs. History of sexual abuse had the highest pooled specificity (89%), while the most sensitive feature was female sex (72%). Individual studies (n = 4) reported high levels of accuracy for ictal eye closure (sensitivity 64-73.7% and specificity 76.9-100%) and post-traumatic stress disorder (no reported sensitivity or specificity). Assuming the pre-test probability for PNEA in a tertiary care epilepsy center is 14%, even the strongest meta-analyzed features only exert modest diagnostic value, increasing post-test probabilities to a maximum of 33%. CONCLUSIONS This review reflects the limited certainty afforded by individual clinical features to distinguish between PNEA and ES. Specific demographic and comorbid features, even despite moderately high specificities, impart minimal impact on diagnostic decision making. This emphasizes the need for the development of multisource predictive tools to optimize diagnostic likelihood ratios.
Collapse
|
24
|
What do we know about non-epileptic seizures in adults with intellectual disability: A narrative review. Seizure 2021; 91:437-446. [PMID: 34332255 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2021.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) superficially resemble epileptic seizures, but are not associated with abnormal electrical activity in the brain. PNES are a heterogeneous entity and while there is increasing interest in the characterisation of PNES sub-groups, little is known about individuals with PNES who have an intellectual disability (ID). ID is a lifelong condition characterised by significant limitations in cognitive, social and practical skills. ID (commonly with comorbid epilepsy) has been identified as a risk factor for developing PNES. However, people with ID are often excluded from research in PNES. This has unfortunately resulted in a lack of evidence to help inform practice and policy for this population. This narrative review synthesises the currently available evidence in terms of the epidemiology, demographic and clinical profile of adults with PNES and ID. There is a particular focus on demographics, aetiological factors, PNES characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of the condition in this population. Throughout this article, we critique the existing evidence, discuss implications for clinical practice and highlight the need for further research and enquiry. What emerges from the evidence is that, even within the sub-group of those with ID, PNES are a heterogeneous condition. Individuals with ID and PNES are likely to present with diverse and complex needs requiring multidisciplinary care. This review is aimed at the broad range of healthcare professionals who may encounter this group. We hope that it will stimulate further discussion and research initiatives.
Collapse
|
25
|
Long-Term V-EEG in Epilepsy: Chronological Distribution of Recorded Events Focused on the Differential Diagnosis of Epileptic Seizures and Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10102080. [PMID: 34066156 PMCID: PMC8150823 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10102080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Differential diagnosis in epilepsy is sometimes challenging. Video-electroencephalography (V-EEG) is an essential tool in the diagnosis and management of epilepsy. The prolonged duration of V-EEG recording increases the diagnostic yield of a conventional V-EEG. The right length of monitoring for different indications is still to be established. We present a retrospective descriptive study with a sample of 50 patients with long-term V-EEG monitoring, with a mean age of 36.1 years, monitored from 2013 to 2019 at the Burgos University Hospital. The mean monitoring time was 3.6 days. Events were obtained in 76% of the patients, corresponding to epileptic seizures (ES) in 57.9% of them, with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) in 39.5%, and with episodes of both pathologies in 2.6% of the patients. We found that the first event was highly representative, and it correlated with the rest of the events that would be recorded. Moreover, 92% of the first PNES had been captured at the end of the second day, and 89% of the first ES by the end of the third day. V-EEG for differential diagnosis between ES and PNES can be performed in hospitals without specialized epilepsy surgery units. For this indication, the duration of long-term V-EEG can be adjusted individually depending on the nature of the first event.
Collapse
|
26
|
Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures in Children and Adolescents. Indian Pediatr 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s13312-021-2167-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
27
|
Smakowski A, Bird JS, Pritchard M, Mula M. Demographic and clinical phenotypic differences between people with dissociative seizures and those with other psychiatric disorders. BJPsych Open 2021; 7:e61. [PMID: 33622429 PMCID: PMC8058893 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2021.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A large amount of literature surrounds the differences between dissociative neurological symptom disorder with non-epileptic seizures (DNSD-S) and epilepsy. AIMS To explore the research gap on phenotypic differences between DNSD-S and other psychiatric disorders. METHOD We conducted a case-control study of 1860 patients (620 patients with DNSD-S and 1240 controls with other psychiatric disorders) seen at the South London and Maudsley Hospital NHS Trust between 2007 and 2019. RESULTS Compared with the controls, the patients with DNSD-S were more likely to be female (76 v. 47%, P < 0.001), of White ethnicity (77 v. 60%, P < 0.001), married (34 v. 14%, P < 0.001) and living in areas of lower socioeconomic status (-3.79, 95% CI -2.62 to -4.96, P < 0.001). Two peaks for age at diagnosis were observed for DNSD-S: the early 20s and late 40s. After 31 years of age, men's chance of being diagnosed with DNSD-S increased from 19 to 28% (P = 0.009). People with DNSD-S presented more commonly with a history of a neurological episodic or paroxysmal disorder (OR = 12, 95% CI 7.82-20.26), another dissociative disorder (OR = 10, 95% CI 1.64- 65.95) or unclassified signs or symptoms (OR = 4, 95% CI 2.61-6.43). Neither anxiety, depression nor other somatoform disorders predicted subsequent diagnosis of DNSD-S, and controls had a larger proportion of preceding psychiatric diagnoses than patients with DNSD-S (65 v. 49%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS This is the first study comparing demographic and phenotypic correlates of patients with DNSD-S against a large cohort of psychiatric patients. These data will inform development and drive service needs in psychiatry for people with DNSD-S.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Smakowski
- Neuropsychiatry Services, South London and Maudsley Hospital NHS Trust, UK; and Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Jacob S Bird
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, St George's Hospital, South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Megan Pritchard
- National Institute for Health Research Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre, South London and Maudsley Hospital NHS Trust, King's College London, UK
| | - Marco Mula
- Institute of Medical and Biomedical Education, St George's University of London, UK; and Atkinson Morley Regional Neuroscience Centre, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Grenevald L, Gagny M, Maillard L, Chrusciel J, Sanche S, Schwan R, Klemina I, Biberon J, de Toffol B, Thiriaux A, Visseaux JF, Martin ML, Meyer M, El-Hage W, Hingray C. Post-traumatic factors are involved in the evolution of the number of seizures in patients with PNES. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 115:107544. [PMID: 33423016 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this prospective study was to identify predictive factors of the evolution of the number of seizures. METHODS We included 85 individuals with a diagnosis of Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizure (PNES) who completed at least two clinical interviews spaced by 6 months during a 24-month follow-up. Participants underwent a structured interview with an experimented clinician in PNES to complete standardized evaluation and validated scales. We collected sociodemographic and clinical data on PNES (number of seizures, duration of the disease), anxiety, depression, history of traumas, alexithymia, dissociation, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We used a multivariate linear regression analysis to predict the characteristics independently associated with the evolution of the number of seizures in percentage. RESULTS Dissociation score was significantly associated with a negative evolution of the number of seizures (p < 0.002). Conversely, the diagnosis of PTSD at inclusion was correlated to a positive evolution of the number of seizures (p < 0.029). CONCLUSION Dissociation was related to a more pejorative evolution of the number of seizures while PTSD diagnosis was associated with a decreased number of seizures. It is therefore essential to improve detection and treatment of post-traumatic dissociation. Further studies are required to understand the impact of PTSD on the evolution of the number of seizures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louise Grenevald
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie d'Adultes du Grand Nancy, Centre Psychothérapique de Nancy, Laxou, France.
| | - Marion Gagny
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie d'Adultes du Grand Nancy, Centre Psychothérapique de Nancy, Laxou, France.
| | - Louis Maillard
- CRHU de Nancy, Département de Neurologie, Nancy, France; Université de Lorraine, CNRS, CRAN, UMR 7039, Nancy, France.
| | - Jan Chrusciel
- Pôle Information médicale évaluation performance, CH de Troyes, Troyes, France.
| | - Stéphane Sanche
- Pôle Information médicale évaluation performance, CH de Troyes, Troyes, France; CHRU de Tours, Tours, France.
| | - Raymund Schwan
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie d'Adultes du Grand Nancy, Centre Psychothérapique de Nancy, Laxou, France; INSERM U1114, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
| | - Irina Klemina
- CRHU de Nancy, Département de Neurologie, Nancy, France.
| | | | - Bertrand de Toffol
- UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, Tours, France; CHRU de Tours, Tours, France.
| | | | | | | | - Mylène Meyer
- CRHU de Nancy, Département de Neurologie, Nancy, France.
| | - Wissam El-Hage
- UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, Tours, France; CHRU de Tours, Tours, France.
| | - Coraline Hingray
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie d'Adultes du Grand Nancy, Centre Psychothérapique de Nancy, Laxou, France; CRHU de Nancy, Département de Neurologie, Nancy, France.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Linking psychological trauma and dissociation to psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES). EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TRAUMA & DISSOCIATION 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejtd.2021.100202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
30
|
Krámská L, Myers L, Hrešková L, Krámský D, Vojtěch Z. Diagnostic utility of the Minnesota multiphasic personality inventory-2 in patients diagnosed with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures in the Czech Republic. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 115:107698. [PMID: 33385953 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of the present study is to examine the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory 2 (MMPI-2) scores of individuals diagnosed with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) in a tertiary epilepsy center in the Czech Republic. METHOD Patients (F:M 130:45; mean age 36.8 years; 12.7 years of education, frequency of seizures 0.37 per day, illness duration 5.75 years) were assessed while inpatients at the Epilepsy Center, Na Homolce Hospital, Prague. Patients underwent video-EEG testing and comprehensive neuropsychological testing and personality assessment which included the MMPI-2. RESULTS Elevated (+1.5SD) F and Back F (Fb) validity scales were observed along with elevated clinical scales Hypochondriasis (Hs), Depression (D), Hysteria (Hy), Psychasthenia (Pt), and Schizophrenia (Sc). Scores higher than 1 SD were found in Psychopathic Deviate (Pd), Paranoia (Pa), Hypomania (Ma) andSocial Introversion (Si) scales and on validity scales True Response Inconsistency Scale (TRIN) and Variable Response Inconsistency Scale (VRIN). CONCLUSION Patients diagnosed with PNES exhibit numerous elevations on the MMPI-2. Understanding the underlying psychological constructs of the patient with PNES more accurately improves predictive utility (for the presence of PNES) and allows the clinician to offer interventions that are more customized. Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory results may be useful to exclude other possible diagnoses and to further determine the individual's characteristics that may be helpful when tailoring treatment, including psychotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Krámská
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Na Homolce Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic; Epilepsy Center, Na Homolce Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic; Department of Psychology, Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Lorna Myers
- Northeast Regional Epilepsy Group, New York, USA
| | - Lucia Hrešková
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Na Homolce Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Zdeněk Vojtěch
- Epilepsy Center, Na Homolce Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Lanzillotti AI, Sarudiansky M, Lombardi NR, Korman GP, D Alessio L. Updated Review on the Diagnosis and Primary Management of Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizure Disorders. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2021; 17:1825-1838. [PMID: 34113112 PMCID: PMC8187153 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s286710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) are paroxystic and episodic events associated with motor, sensory, mental or autonomic manifestations, which resemble epileptic seizures (ES), but are not caused by epileptogenic activity. PNES affect between 20% and 30% of patients attending at epilepsy centers and constitute a serious mental health problem. PNES are often underdiagnosed, undertreated and mistaken with epilepsy. PNES are diagnosed after medical causes (epilepsy, syncope, stroke, etc.) have been ruled out, and psychological mechanisms are involved in their genesis and perpetuation. For psychiatry, there is not a single definition for PNES; the DSM-IV and ICD-10/11 describe the conversion and dissociative disorders, and the DSM-5 describes the functional neurological disorders. However, patients with PNES also have a high frequency of other comorbidities like depression, particularly trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder. It has been postulated that PNES are essentially dissociations that operate as a defensive psychological mechanism that use the mind as a defense to deal with traumas. With the advent of VEEG in the 90s, the recognition of PNES has significantly increased, and several psychological treatments have been developed. In this manuscript, we carried out a state-of-the-art review, with the aim to provide a critical approach to the extensive literature about PNES, focusing on diagnostic aspects, the primary management, and the available treatments that have been shown to be effective for the improvement of PNES.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Inés Lanzillotti
- Buenos Aires University, Psychology School, Psychology School Research Institute National Council for Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mercedes Sarudiansky
- Buenos Aires University, Psychology School, Psychology School Research Institute National Council for Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Guido Pablo Korman
- Buenos Aires University, Psychology School, Psychology School Research Institute National Council for Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luciana D Alessio
- Buenos Aires University, Ramos Mejía Hospital, Epilepsy Center, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Buenos Aires University, Medicine School, Cell Biology and Neuroscience Institute (IBCN)- National Council for Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Vanek J, Prasko J, Ociskova M, Genzor S, Holubova M, Hodny F, Nesnidal V, Slepecky M, Sova M, Minarikova K. Sleep Disturbances in Patients with Nonepileptic Seizures. Nat Sci Sleep 2021; 13:209-218. [PMID: 33623462 PMCID: PMC7896787 DOI: 10.2147/nss.s289190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Up to 20% of patients treated for epileptic seizures experience psychogenic nonepileptic paroxysms (PNES). These patients present a significant burden for the health care systems because of poor treatment outcomes. The presented review aims to summarize the current state of knowledge on sleep disturbances in patients with nonepileptic seizures. METHODS Articles were acquired via PubMed and Web of Science, and papers between January 1990 and March 2020 were extracted. Inclusion criteria were (1) published in a peer-reviewed journal: (2) studies in humans only; or (3) reviews on a related topic; (4) English language. The exclusion criteria were: (1) abstracts from conferences; (2) commentaries; (3) subjects younger than 18 years. From primary assessment, 122 articles were extracted; after obtaining full texts and secondary articles from reference lists, 45 papers were used in this review. RESULTS Limited data are available regarding sleep disorders in PNES patients, over the last 30 years only nine original research papers addressed sleep problems in patients with PNES with only six studies assessing objectively measured changes in sleep. Current literature supports the subjective perception of the sleep disturbances with mixed results in objective pathophysiological findings. Conflicting results regarding the REM phase can be found, and studies reported both shortening and prolonging of the REM phase with methodological limitations. Poor sleep quality and shortened duration have been consistently described in most of the studies. CONCLUSION Further research on a broader spectrum of patients with PNES is needed, primarily focusing on objective neurophysiological findings. Quality of life in patients suffering from PNES can be increased by good sleep habits and treatment of comorbid sleep disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Vanek
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University Hospital, University Palacky Olomouc, Olomouc, 77520, The Czech Republic
| | - Jan Prasko
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University Hospital, University Palacky Olomouc, Olomouc, 77520, The Czech Republic.,Institute for Postgraduate Education in Health Care, Prague, The Czech Republic.,Department of Psychology Sciences, Faculty of Social Science and Health Care, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Nitra, The Slovak Republic
| | - Marie Ociskova
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University Hospital, University Palacky Olomouc, Olomouc, 77520, The Czech Republic
| | - Samuel Genzor
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Olomouc and Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, The Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Holubova
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Liberec, Liberec, The Czech Republic
| | - Frantisek Hodny
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University Hospital, University Palacky Olomouc, Olomouc, 77520, The Czech Republic
| | - Vlastmil Nesnidal
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University Hospital, University Palacky Olomouc, Olomouc, 77520, The Czech Republic
| | - Milos Slepecky
- Department of Psychology Sciences, Faculty of Social Science and Health Care, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Nitra, The Slovak Republic
| | - Milan Sova
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Olomouc and Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, The Czech Republic
| | - Kamila Minarikova
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University Hospital, University Palacky Olomouc, Olomouc, 77520, The Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND In order to distinguish seizure mimics from seizures in children it is important to clarify the event duration, frequency, semiology, and any precipitating factors. METHODOLOGY This review provides a succinct and up-to-date overview aimed at general and subspecialty non-neurologist pediatric and adolescent health care providers to help guide a diagnostic approach when a child presents with paroxysmal events of unclear etiology. RESULTS In many cases, seizure mimics are consistently triggered by an event, location, or emotion, and often resolve with distraction or tactile stimulation. Suspicion should be raised for seizures when events occur out of deep sleep, there is a loss of consciousness with the event, movements are not suppressible, and there is a period of fatigue afterword (minutes to hours). Further, a past medical history of developmental delay (e.g. autism), developmental regression, or neurologic injury increases patients' risk for seizures. CONCLUSIONS Common seizure mimics are highlighted in the age group in which they are most prevalent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca S Stainman
- The Department of Neurology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, United States.
| | - Eric H Kossoff
- The Department of Neurology and The Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins Medicine, 601N. Caroline St., Baltimore, MD 21287
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Walther K, Volbers B, Erdmann L, Kurzbuch K, Lang JD, Mueller TM, Reindl C, Schwarz M, Schwab S, Hamer HM. Psychosocial long-term outcome in patients with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures. Seizure 2020; 83:187-192. [PMID: 33181426 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2020.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate psychosocial long-term outcome in patients diagnosed with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) and to predict outcome of PNES, economic status, and quality of life (QoL) at follow-up. METHODS Patients diagnosed with PNES in the video-EEG-monitoring unit at our Epilepsy center between 2002-2016 were contacted by phone 1-16 years after communicating the diagnosis. Patients underwent a structured interview asking for current PNES status, psychosocial situation (economic status, marital status, setting of living, driving), depression, and QoL. RESULTS Of 70 PNES patients without comorbid epilepsy (age: 41.1 ± 13.5 years; 74 % female, follow-up: 5.2 ± 4.2 years), 23 patients (33 %) reported to be free of PNES during the last 12 months. Patients with cessation of PNES were younger at PNES onset (p < .01) and diagnosis (p < .01) and had a higher education (p < .05). At follow-up, the proportion of economically active patients only increased in individuals with cessation of PNES (p < .001) while an increased number of patients with persisting PNES relied on governmental support (p < .001). Cessation of PNES was associated with better mood (p < .01) and QoL (p < .001). In multiple regression models, cessation of PNES was only predicted by younger age at onset, while good economic outcome was determined by younger age and good economic status at diagnosis and cessation of PNES at follow-up. Good QoL at follow-up was predicted by low depressive symptoms, freedom of PNES, and economic activity at follow-up. CONCLUSION Long-term outcome in patients with PNES remains to be poor and the majority of patients continue to have PNES. Cessation of PNES was associated with good economic outcome, mood, and QoL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Walther
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Bastian Volbers
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Laura Erdmann
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Katrin Kurzbuch
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Johannes D Lang
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Tamara M Mueller
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Caroline Reindl
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Michael Schwarz
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Stefan Schwab
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Hajo M Hamer
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Beghi M, Zhang L, Beghi E, Giussani G, Erba G, Longinetti E, D'Onofrio BM, Bianchi E, Fang F, Tomson T, Chang Z. History of violence/maltreatment and psychogenic non-epileptic seizures. Seizure 2020; 81:8-12. [PMID: 32683268 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2020.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To study the association of earlier violence/maltreatment with the occurrence of PNES in a nationwide population sample. METHODS This is a nested case-control study performed using Swedish nationwide registers. Cases were all individuals born in Sweden between 1941 and 2009 with incident PNES between 2001 and 2013 while resident in Sweden according to the Swedish Patient Register. For each case, 10 controls, alive and PNES-free at time of PNES diagnosis of the matched case, were randomly selected from the Swedish Total Population Register, matched on age and sex. To test the specificity of the association, we conducted two similar analyses for epilepsy and dissociative disorder with motor symptoms or deficit, as comparators to PNES. Registers were examined in search of all coded diagnoses of child maltreatment or violence episodes before the index date among the cases and controls. RESULTS 885 patients received a first diagnosis of PNES. 7.6 % of cases had a history of violence/maltreatment, compared to 1.1 % of controls, giving a crude OR of 7.9 (95 % CI: 3.7-11.0). The ORs decreased but remained significant after adjustment for socio-economic factors (OR = 6.3, 95 % CI: 4.4-9.0) and psychiatric comorbidities (OR = 5.2, 95 % CI: 3.5-7.9). The association was also evident for epilepsy and dissociative disorder, although of lower magnitude. CONCLUSION Patients with PNES have a history of violence/maltreatment more frequently than the rest of the population. This association can be influenced by socio-economic factors and the presence of concurrent psychiatric disturbances.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Le Zhang
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ettore Beghi
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy.
| | - Giorgia Giussani
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Erba
- Department of Neurology, SEC, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Elisa Longinetti
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Brian M D'Onofrio
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States
| | - Elisa Bianchi
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Fang Fang
- Unit of Integrative Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Torbjorn Tomson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience Karolinska Institutet, and Department of Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Zheng Chang
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Anzellotti F, Dono F, Evangelista G, Di Pietro M, Carrarini C, Russo M, Ferrante C, Sensi SL, Onofrj M. Psychogenic Non-epileptic Seizures and Pseudo-Refractory Epilepsy, a Management Challenge. Front Neurol 2020; 11:461. [PMID: 32582005 PMCID: PMC7280483 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) are neurobehavioral conditions positioned in a gray zone, not infrequently a no-man land, that lies in the intersection between Neurology and Psychiatry. According to the DSM 5, PNES are a subgroup of conversion disorders (CD), while the ICD 10 classifies PNES as dissociative disorders. The incidence of PNES is estimated to be in the range of 1.4-4.9/100,000/year, and the prevalence range is between 2 and 33 per 100,000. The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) has identified PNES as one of the 10 most critical neuropsychiatric conditions associated with epilepsy. Comorbidity between epilepsy and PNES, a condition leading to "dual diagnosis," is a serious diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for clinicians. The lack of prompt identification of PNES in epileptic patients can lead to potentially harmful increases in the dosage of anti-seizure drugs (ASD) as well as erroneous diagnoses of refractory epilepsy. Hence, pseudo-refractory epilepsy is the other critical side of the PNES coin as one out of four to five patients admitted to video-EEG monitoring units with a diagnosis of pharmaco-resistant epilepsy is later found to suffer from non-epileptic events. The majority of these events are of psychogenic origin. Thus, the diagnostic differentiation between pseudo and true refractory epilepsy is essential to prevent actions that lead to unnecessary treatments and ASD-related side effects as well as produce a negative impact on the patient's quality of life. In this article, we review and discuss recent evidence related to the neurobiology of PNES. We also provide an overview of the classifications and diagnostic steps that are employed in PNES management and dwell on the concept of pseudo-resistant epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Fedele Dono
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, "G. D'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Behavioral Neurology and Molecular Neurology Units, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Giacomo Evangelista
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, "G. D'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Martina Di Pietro
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, "G. D'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Claudia Carrarini
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, "G. D'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Behavioral Neurology and Molecular Neurology Units, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Mirella Russo
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, "G. D'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Behavioral Neurology and Molecular Neurology Units, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Camilla Ferrante
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, "G. D'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Stefano L Sensi
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, "G. D'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Behavioral Neurology and Molecular Neurology Units, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Institute for Mind Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Marco Onofrj
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, "G. D'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Behavioral Neurology and Molecular Neurology Units, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Cognitive behavioural therapy for adults with dissociative seizures (CODES): a pragmatic, multicentre, randomised controlled trial. Lancet Psychiatry 2020; 7:491-505. [PMID: 32445688 PMCID: PMC7242906 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(20)30128-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dissociative seizures are paroxysmal events resembling epilepsy or syncope with characteristic features that allow them to be distinguished from other medical conditions. We aimed to compare the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) plus standardised medical care with standardised medical care alone for the reduction of dissociative seizure frequency. METHODS In this pragmatic, parallel-arm, multicentre randomised controlled trial, we initially recruited participants at 27 neurology or epilepsy services in England, Scotland, and Wales. Adults (≥18 years) who had dissociative seizures in the previous 8 weeks and no epileptic seizures in the previous 12 months were subsequently randomly assigned (1:1) from 17 liaison or neuropsychiatry services following psychiatric assessment, to receive standardised medical care or CBT plus standardised medical care, using a web-based system. Randomisation was stratified by neuropsychiatry or liaison psychiatry recruitment site. The trial manager, chief investigator, all treating clinicians, and patients were aware of treatment allocation, but outcome data collectors and trial statisticians were unaware of treatment allocation. Patients were followed up 6 months and 12 months after randomisation. The primary outcome was monthly dissociative seizure frequency (ie, frequency in the previous 4 weeks) assessed at 12 months. Secondary outcomes assessed at 12 months were: seizure severity (intensity) and bothersomeness; longest period of seizure freedom in the previous 6 months; complete seizure freedom in the previous 3 months; a greater than 50% reduction in seizure frequency relative to baseline; changes in dissociative seizures (rated by others); health-related quality of life; psychosocial functioning; psychiatric symptoms, psychological distress, and somatic symptom burden; and clinical impression of improvement and satisfaction. p values and statistical significance for outcomes were reported without correction for multiple comparisons as per our protocol. Primary and secondary outcomes were assessed in the intention-to-treat population with multiple imputation for missing observations. This trial is registered with the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial registry, ISRCTN05681227, and ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02325544. FINDINGS Between Jan 16, 2015, and May 31, 2017, we randomly assigned 368 patients to receive CBT plus standardised medical care (n=186) or standardised medical care alone (n=182); of whom 313 had primary outcome data at 12 months (156 [84%] of 186 patients in the CBT plus standardised medical care group and 157 [86%] of 182 patients in the standardised medical care group). At 12 months, no significant difference in monthly dissociative seizure frequency was identified between the groups (median 4 seizures [IQR 0-20] in the CBT plus standardised medical care group vs 7 seizures [1-35] in the standardised medical care group; estimated incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0·78 [95% CI 0·56-1·09]; p=0·144). Dissociative seizures were rated as less bothersome in the CBT plus standardised medical care group than the standardised medical care group (estimated mean difference -0·53 [95% CI -0·97 to -0·08]; p=0·020). The CBT plus standardised medical care group had a longer period of dissociative seizure freedom in the previous 6 months (estimated IRR 1·64 [95% CI 1·22 to 2·20]; p=0·001), reported better health-related quality of life on the EuroQoL-5 Dimensions-5 Level Health Today visual analogue scale (estimated mean difference 6·16 [95% CI 1·48 to 10·84]; p=0·010), less impairment in psychosocial functioning on the Work and Social Adjustment Scale (estimated mean difference -4·12 [95% CI -6·35 to -1·89]; p<0·001), less overall psychological distress than the standardised medical care group on the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation-10 scale (estimated mean difference -1·65 [95% CI -2·96 to -0·35]; p=0·013), and fewer somatic symptoms on the modified Patient Health Questionnaire-15 scale (estimated mean difference -1·67 [95% CI -2·90 to -0·44]; p=0·008). Clinical improvement at 12 months was greater in the CBT plus standardised medical care group than the standardised medical care alone group as reported by patients (estimated mean difference 0·66 [95% CI 0·26 to 1·04]; p=0·001) and by clinicians (estimated mean difference 0·47 [95% CI 0·21 to 0·73]; p<0·001), and the CBT plus standardised medical care group had greater satisfaction with treatment than did the standardised medical care group (estimated mean difference 0·90 [95% CI 0·48 to 1·31]; p<0·001). No significant differences in patient-reported seizure severity (estimated mean difference -0·11 [95% CI -0·50 to 0·29]; p=0·593) or seizure freedom in the last 3 months of the study (estimated odds ratio [OR] 1·77 [95% CI 0·93 to 3·37]; p=0·083) were identified between the groups. Furthermore, no significant differences were identified in the proportion of patients who had a more than 50% reduction in dissociative seizure frequency compared with baseline (OR 1·27 [95% CI 0·80 to 2·02]; p=0·313). Additionally, the 12-item Short Form survey-version 2 scores (estimated mean difference for the Physical Component Summary score 1·78 [95% CI -0·37 to 3·92]; p=0·105; estimated mean difference for the Mental Component Summary score 2·22 [95% CI -0·30 to 4·75]; p=0·084), the Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 scale score (estimated mean difference -1·09 [95% CI -2·27 to 0·09]; p=0·069), and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scale depression score (estimated mean difference -1·10 [95% CI -2·41 to 0·21]; p=0·099) did not differ significantly between groups. Changes in dissociative seizures (rated by others) could not be assessed due to insufficient data. During the 12-month period, the number of adverse events was similar between the groups: 57 (31%) of 186 participants in the CBT plus standardised medical care group reported 97 adverse events and 53 (29%) of 182 participants in the standardised medical care group reported 79 adverse events. INTERPRETATION CBT plus standardised medical care had no statistically significant advantage compared with standardised medical care alone for the reduction of monthly seizures. However, improvements were observed in a number of clinically relevant secondary outcomes following CBT plus standardised medical care when compared with standardised medical care alone. Thus, adults with dissociative seizures might benefit from the addition of dissociative seizure-specific CBT to specialist care from neurologists and psychiatrists. Future work is needed to identify patients who would benefit most from a dissociative seizure-specific CBT approach. FUNDING National Institute for Health Research, Health Technology Assessment programme.
Collapse
|
38
|
Ahmadi N, Pei Y, Carrette E, Aldenkamp AP, Pechenizkiy M. EEG-based classification of epilepsy and PNES: EEG microstate and functional brain network features. Brain Inform 2020; 7:6. [PMID: 32472244 PMCID: PMC7260313 DOI: 10.1186/s40708-020-00107-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy and psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) often show over-lap in symptoms, especially at an early disease stage. During a PNES, the electrical activity of the brain remains normal but in case of an epileptic seizure the brain will show epileptiform discharges on the electroencephalogram (EEG). In many cases an accurate diagnosis can only be achieved after a long-term video monitoring combined with EEG recording which is quite expensive and time-consuming. In this paper using short-term EEG data, the classification of epilepsy and PNES subjects is analyzed based on signal, functional network and EEG microstate features. Our results showed that the beta-band is the most useful EEG frequency sub-band as it performs best for classifying subjects. Also the results depicted that when the coverage feature of the EEG microstate analysis is calculated in beta-band, the classification shows fairly high accuracy and precision. Hence, the beta-band and the coverage are the most important features for classification of epilepsy and PNES patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Negar Ahmadi
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Eindhoven University of Technology, TU/e, P.O.Box: 513, 5600MB, Eindhoven, NL, The Netherlands.
| | - Yulong Pei
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Eindhoven University of Technology, TU/e, P.O.Box: 513, 5600MB, Eindhoven, NL, The Netherlands
| | | | - Albert P Aldenkamp
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Mykola Pechenizkiy
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Eindhoven University of Technology, TU/e, P.O.Box: 513, 5600MB, Eindhoven, NL, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Sarudiansky M, Pablo Korman G, Lanzillotti AI, Areco Pico MM, Tenreyro C, Paolasini GV, Wolfzun C, Kochen S, D'Alessio L, Myers L. Report on a psychoeducational intervention for psychogenic non-epileptic seizures in Argentina. Seizure 2020; 80:270-277. [PMID: 32475751 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2020.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the effects of a three-session psychoeducational intervention on patients diagnosed with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) in an Argentinian public hospital. It was hypothesized that patients would experience improvements in their understanding of PNES, illness perception and affective scores, but might not necessarily experience a significant change in post-traumatic and dissociative symptoms and in seizure frequency. METHODS This study included 12 patients (10 women, 2 men) who were invited to participate in a psychoeducational group after receiving a V-EEG confirmed diagnosis of PNES. The group consisted of 3 sessions lasting 2 h each. Pre and post measures included Psychoeducational Intervention Questionnaire, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory-II, Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Diagnostic Scale 5, Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES-M). RESULTS This psychoeducational intervention produced results that were similar to interventions reported in US and European studies with regard to changes on psychological measures. Moreover, many patients also reported (on the final day of the intervention) a decrease in seizure frequency. All patients reported that participating in the intervention was a positive experience. Also, all but one patient referred that the participation in the group would have a positive impact on their quality of life. CONCLUSIONS Psychoeducational interventions appear to have had positive results in Argentinian patients with PNES. This is initial step in the design of empirically based psychoeducational/supportive initiatives for patients in South America.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Sarudiansky
- CAEA, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Guido Pablo Korman
- CAEA, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - María Marta Areco Pico
- CAEA, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | - Camila Wolfzun
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Ben-Naim S, Dienstag A, Freedman SA, Ekstein D, Foul YA, Gilad M, Peled O, Waldman A, Oster S, Azoulay M, Blondheim S, Arzy S, Eitan R. A Novel Integrative Psychotherapy for Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures Based on the Biopsychosocial Model: A Retrospective Pilot Outcome Study. PSYCHOSOMATICS 2020; 61:353-362. [PMID: 32284248 DOI: 10.1016/j.psym.2020.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) represent one of the most sizable treatment challenges in neuropsychiatry. Although the underlying mechanism is far from being understood, several interventions have been suggested. However, patients with comorbid psychiatric diagnoses and epilepsy are excluded from most intervention studies. OBJECTIVE To To present a within-group posttreatment vs pretreatment study representing the retrospective clinical results of an integrative psychotherapy model. METHODS We present the clinical results of 22 patients with PNES diagnosed in an epilepsy center and treated in our neuropsychiatry clinic using an integrative rehabilitative psychotherapy. Therapy included presenting the diagnosis, psychoeducation, seizure reduction behavioral techniques, and coping with past and present stressors. Insomuch as integrative biopsychosocial psychotherapy is based on an individualized treatment protocol for each patient, treatment was individualized and case specific. RESULTS By the end of treatment, 36% of patients had become seizure free and a further 54% achieved a major seizure reduction (reduction of more than 70%). Seventy-two percent of patients kept at least 70% seizure reduction at follow-up. Global Assessment of Functioning scores improved from a mean of 43.09 to a mean of 72.81 at the end of treatment and 69.72 at follow-up. In addition, we present 3 case descriptions that emphasize the individualized nature of psychotherapeutic decisions. CONCLUSIONS Our results support the feasibility and effectiveness of biopsychosocial based integrative psychotherapy for PNES and set principles for future treatment and prospective clinical trials in the field of individualized psychotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiri Ben-Naim
- Neuropsychiatry Clinic, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel; Department of Social Sciences, Academic College Tel-Aviv-Jaffa, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
| | - Aryeh Dienstag
- Neuropsychiatry Clinic, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel; Department of Psychiatry, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Sara A Freedman
- School of Social Work, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Dana Ekstein
- Department of Neurology, Agnes Ginges Center for Neurogenesis, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yasmin Abo Foul
- Neuropsychiatry Clinic, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel; Department of Psychology, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Moran Gilad
- Neuropsychiatry Clinic, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Or Peled
- Neuropsychiatry Clinic, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Avigail Waldman
- Neuropsychiatry Clinic, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Sivan Oster
- Neuropsychiatry Clinic, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Moriya Azoulay
- Neuropsychiatry Clinic, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel; Department of Psychology, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Shir Blondheim
- Neuropsychiatry Clinic, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel; Department of Psychology, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Shahar Arzy
- Neuropsychiatry Clinic, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel; Department of Neurology, Agnes Ginges Center for Neurogenesis, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel; Department of Medical Neurobiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Renana Eitan
- Neuropsychiatry Clinic, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel; Department of Medical Neurobiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel; Jerusalem Mental Health Center, Hebrew University Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel; Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Sawchuk T, Asadi-Pooya AA, Myers L, Valente KD, Restrepo AD, D' Alessio L, Homayoun M, Bahrami Z, Alessi R, Paytan AA, Kochen S, Taha F, Lazar LM, Pick S, Nicholson TR, Buchhalter J. Clinical characteristics of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures across the lifespan: An international retrospective study. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 102:106705. [PMID: 31785480 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.106705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Revised: 10/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Previous studies from a few countries have reported semiological differences in younger children compared with adolescents or adults with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNESs). This study tested the hypothesis that semiological, demographic, and historical risk factors vary with different ages of PNES onset in a large cohort from different countries. METHODS In this retrospective study, we investigated patients consecutively referred for PNES, who were admitted to epilepsy monitoring units in Iran, Brazil, Venezuela, Canada, Argentina, and USA. Age, gender, age at seizure onset, seizure semiology, and factors predisposing to PNES (abuse, stressors) were documented according to routine diagnostic practices at each center. Participants were grouped according to their age at onset (i.e., childhood, adolescence, or adulthood). RESULTS A total of 448 patients were studied. Female predominance was associated with adolescent- (85/122, 70%) and adult-onset (190/270, 70%) but not in childhood-onset PNES (28/56, 50%) (p = 0.011). Event frequency in the month preceding the diagnosis was higher in the childhood- [x¯ = 50, standard deviation (sd) = 82, p = 0.025] versus adolescent- (x¯ = 24, sd = 36) or adult-onset groups (x¯ = 29, sd = 61). Significant between-group differences were observed for generalized body movements (p = 0.0001) and ictal injury (p = 0.027), suggesting more severe ictal presentations in adult-onset PNES compared with younger ages. Adult-onset patients were also more likely to be taking an unnecessary antiepileptic medication (p = 0.010). CONCLUSION While PNES may present at any age, there appear to be notable differences across the lifespan with respect to some of the clinical characteristics. Further international and cross-cultural studies may reveal other interesting characteristics of PNES.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tyson Sawchuk
- Children's Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Canada; University of Nicosia, School of Social Sciences, Department of Psychology, Cyprus.
| | - Ali A Asadi-Pooya
- Shiraz Medical School, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Jefferson Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lorna Myers
- Northeast Regional Epilepsy Group, New York, USA.
| | - Kette D Valente
- Laboratory of Clinical Neurophysiology, Institute and Department of Psychiatry, Hospital das Clinicas, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo (USP), Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Anilu Daza Restrepo
- Laboratory of Clinical Neurophysiology, Institute and Department of Psychiatry, Hospital das Clinicas, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo (USP), Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Maryam Homayoun
- Shiraz Medical School, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zahra Bahrami
- Shiraz Medical School, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Rudá Alessi
- Laboratory of Clinical Neurophysiology, Institute and Department of Psychiatry, Hospital das Clinicas, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo (USP), Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Silvia Kochen
- Buenos Aires University, Epilepsy Center, Ramos Mejía and el Cruce Hospitals, ENyS-IBCN-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Firas Taha
- Northeast Regional Epilepsy Group, New York, USA; Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, NJ, USA.
| | - Lorraine M Lazar
- Northeast Regional Epilepsy Group, New York, USA; Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, NJ, USA.
| | - Susannah Pick
- Section of Cognitive Neuropsychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings' College London, London, UK.
| | - Timothy R Nicholson
- Section of Cognitive Neuropsychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings' College London, London, UK.
| | - Jeffrey Buchhalter
- Children's Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Canada; University of Nicosia, School of Social Sciences, Department of Psychology, Cyprus; University of Calgary, Cumming School of Medicine, Departments of Pediatrics, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Rosales R, Dworetzky B, Baslet G. Cognitive-emotion processing in psychogenic nonepileptic seizures. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 102:106639. [PMID: 31731107 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.106639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous literature suggests that cognitive-emotion processing contributes to the pathogenesis of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES). Characterization of alterations in cognitive-emotion processing in PNES could inform treatment. METHODS In this descriptive, cross-sectional study, 143 patients with video electroencephalogram (EEG) confirmed PNES were prospectively recruited. Patients completed self-report questionnaires on emotion perception (Trait Meta-Mood Scale (TMMS) attention and clarity subscales) and coping style (Affective Styles Questionnaire [ASQ] concealing, adjusting, and tolerating subscales) at the time of their initial evaluation for PNES. Demographic, clinical data and measures of psychopathology severity were also obtained. The TMMS and ASQ subscale scores were compared to available normative data and between PNES subgroups (based on presence of trauma-related factors). Correlation coefficients were obtained to evaluate associations between subscale scores and measures of psychopathology. RESULTS Mean scores on both TMMS subscales (attention 47.0 [SD 7.4] and clarity 37.5 [SD 8.0]) and the ASQ adjusting subscale (22.2 [SD 6.3]) were significantly lower than available normative data (p < .001). Among patients with PNES, those with a history of childhood abuse or active posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were found to have significantly lower scores on emotion clarity, adjustment, and tolerance subscales than those without such histories (p < .05). Degree of clarity of emotions correlated negatively with severity of depression, anxiety, stress, and illness perception (p ≤ .001). Adjustment to and tolerance of emotional states correlated negatively with severity of depression and stress (p < .01). CONCLUSIONS Patients with PNES, especially those with active PTSD and childhood trauma, have lower clarity of their emotions and lower ability to adjust to emotional states than healthy individuals. These cognitive-emotion processing deficits are more pronounced in patients with more severe depression and reported stress. This study characterizes alterations in cognitive-emotion processing in PNES that are well-suited therapeutic targets and can therefore inform treatment interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachael Rosales
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Barbara Dworetzky
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Gaston Baslet
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Kholi H, Bellier A, Vercueil L. PNESSE 1: Psychogenic status and status epilepticus: Could they be distinguished retrospectively? A survey among neurologists. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 102:106665. [PMID: 31760202 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.106665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate neurologists' reliability in recognizing retrospectively a diagnosis of psychogenic status and status epilepticus (SE) based solely on clinical semiology, as reported in medical charts. METHODS This is a retrospective analysis of medical records of patients with suspected SE, diagnosed with psychogenic status and SE, proven by video-electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring, over a two-year period, from January 1st 2012 to December 31st 2013. Eight additional patients outside this time frame were included in this series because they had video-EEG proven psychogenic status, and they met all the inclusion criteria. The group with SE was divided into symptomatic SE (SSE) if a precipitating factor was identified, and undetermined SE (USE) if none were identified. Twenty-two neurologists from the CHU de Grenoble-Alpes were asked to fill out a survey where they were asked to score, for each patient, their agreement, using Likert scales, for the respective diagnoses of psychogenic status and SE. Their opinions were based on a provided written sheet summarizing the clinical description of the event and patients' clinical context. Neurologists were blinded to video-EEG monitoring results and final diagnosis. The level of agreement, disagreement, and the homogeneity of neurologist's responses according to the final diagnosis were then calculated. Finally, clinical data, as provided in the event's clinical description and context, considered as highly relevant by neurologists to establish an accurate diagnosis were gathered. RESULTS Eighteen neurologists completed the survey for 48 patients, including 11 diagnosed with psychogenic status and 37 with SE (30 with SSE and 7 with USE). For patients diagnosed with SE, the presence of a precipitating factor increased the likelihood and the homogeneity among neurologists of a diagnosis of SE (77%), with a specificity (Sp) of 96% and a positive predictive value of 95%. The lack of a precipitating factor significantly decreased the diagnosis likelihood of SE (55%) with a predictive value of 82%. For patients diagnosed with psychogenic status, most of neurologists agreed with the diagnosis of psychogenic status (69%) with a predictive value of 82%, although heterogeneity in the diagnosis was found. According to neurologists participating in this study, most significant terms, found in the medical charts, helping to distinguish SE from psychogenic status were "stereotypical movements", "limb myoclonus", "epilepsy", and "vigilance alteration". To differentiate psychogenic status from SE, most relevant terms used by neurologists were "resistance to eyes opening", "anarchic movements", "prolonged motor manifestations", "limb tremor" and "opisthotonus". However, analysis of the distribution of the terms among the different groups (SSE, USE, and psychogenic status) showed no significant difference. SIGNIFICANCE This study is in line with previous literature highlighting the difficulty in retrospectively differentiating SE from psychogenic status based on clinical events description recorded in the medical chart.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Kholi
- EFSN, CHU Grenoble Alpes, 38043 Grenoble, France.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Operto FF, Coppola G, Mazza R, Pastorino GMG, Campanozzi S, Margari L, Roccella M, Marotta R, Carotenuto M. Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures in pediatric population: A review. Brain Behav 2019; 9:e01406. [PMID: 31568694 PMCID: PMC6908892 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) are observable abrupt paroxysmal changes in behavior or consciousness that resemble epileptic seizures, but without concurrent electroencephalographic abnormalities. METHODS In this manuscript, we reviewed literature concerning pediatric PNES and focused on those articles published in the last 10 years, in order to try to understand what the state of the art is at the moment, particularly as regards relationship and differential diagnosis with epilepsy. RESULTS Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures have been extensively described in literature mainly in adults and less frequently in children. Despite the potential negative impact of a misdiagnosis (unnecessary investigations and antiepileptic drugs, structured pathological behavioral patterns), in literature there is little information regarding the real prevalence, clinical features, treatment, and outcome of PNES in children and adolescents. CONCLUSION Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures are common but frequently missed entity in pediatric population. Diagnosis could be difficult, especially in those children who have both epileptic and nonepileptic seizures; video EEG and home video can help clinicians in diagnosis. More studies are needed to better classify PNES in children and facilitate diagnosis and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Felicia Operto
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Giangennaro Coppola
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Roberta Mazza
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Grazia Maria Giovanna Pastorino
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy.,Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Stella Campanozzi
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Lucia Margari
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Michele Roccella
- Department of Psychological, Pedagogical and Educational Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Rosa Marotta
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Marco Carotenuto
- Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Personality traits, illness behaviors, and psychiatric comorbidity in individuals with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES), epilepsy, and other nonepileptic seizures (oNES): Differentiating between the conditions. Epilepsy Behav 2019; 98:210-219. [PMID: 31382179 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.05.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 05/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The study aimed to investigate if South African individuals with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) differ from individuals with epileptic seizures (ES) and other nonepileptic seizures (oNES) in terms of demographic and seizure characteristics, personality traits, illness behaviors, and depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) comorbidity in statistically significant ways; and if so, to test if these differences can be utilized in raising suspicion of PNES as the differential diagnosis to epilepsy and oNES in practice. METHODS Data were analyzed from 29 adults with seizure complaints recruited using convenience sampling from a private and a government hospital with video-electroencephalography (vEEG) technology. A quantitative double-blind convenient sampling comparative design was used. A demographic and seizure questionnaire, the NEO Five Factor Inventory-3 (NEO-FFI-3), an abbreviated version of Illness Behavior Questionnaire (IBQ), and the Beck Anxiety Inventory - Primary Care (BAI-PC) were administered. Cronbach's alphas, analysis of variance (ANOVA), cross-tabulation, Fisher exact test, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were performed on the dataset. RESULTS The total sample consisted of 29 participants, of which 5 had PNES (17%), 21 ES (73%), and 3 oNES (10%). The final sample was comprised of 24 participants from the private hospital and 5 from the government hospital. The group with PNES was found to be significantly more male, to experience significantly more monthly seizures, and chronic pain when comparing the PNES with the ES group, and the PNES with the combined ES and oNES group in both private only sample, as well as the private and government hospital combined sample. Patients with PNES also had a higher level of education compared with the group with ES in the combined private and government hospital sample, something that was not evident in the private hospital only sample. No significant differences between groups were found in either sample in terms of age, population group, language, age at first seizure, and the NEO-FFI-3 subscales. All three groups scored above the cutoff point of 5 exhibiting depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms on the BAI-PC in both samples. However, the group with PNES tended to score significantly higher than the group with ES and the combined ES and oNES group in the private hospital sample. A cutoff point of 12 on the BAI-PC was found to predict PNES in this seizure population with 80% sensitivity and 89% specificity. However, once the analysis was repeated on the combined private and government hospital sample, significance in BAI-PC scores between groups was lost. All scales showed good reliability in our study, with the exception of the "Openness to Experience" subscale of the NEO-FFI-3 once reliability analysis was carried out on the combined private and government hospital group. CONCLUSIONS This study provides an important stepping stone in the understanding of demographic and seizure factors, personality domains, abnormal illness behaviors, and psychiatric comorbidity in the South African population with PNES. The study also reported on a cutoff score of 12 on the BAI-PC predicting PNES with 80% sensitivity and 89% specificity in a private hospital sample.
Collapse
|
46
|
Memory and motor control in patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures. Epilepsy Behav 2019; 98:279-284. [PMID: 31419649 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) are of the most elusive phenomena in epileptology. Patients with PNES present episodes resembling epileptic seizures in their semiology yet lacking the underlying epileptic brain activity. These episodes are assumed to be related to psychological distress from past trauma, yet the underlying mechanism of this manifestation is still unknown. Using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we investigated functional connectivity changes within and between large-scale brain networks in 9 patients with PNES, compared with a group of 13 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Functional magnetic resonance imaging analyses identified functional connectivity disturbances between the medial temporal lobe (MTL) and the sensorimotor cortex and between the MTL and ventral attention networks in patients with PNES. Within network connectivity reduction was found within the visual network. Our findings suggest that PNES relate to changes in connectivity in between areas that are involved in memory processing and motor activity and attention control. These results may shed new light on the way by which traumatic memories may relate to PNES.
Collapse
|
47
|
Asadi-Pooya AA, Myers L, Valente K, Restrepo AD, D' Alessio L, Sawchuk T, Homayoun M, Bahrami Z, Alessi R, Paytan AA, Kochen S, Buchhalter J, Taha F, Lazar LM, Pick S, Nicholson T. Sex differences in demographic and clinical characteristics of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: A retrospective multicenter international study. Epilepsy Behav 2019; 97:154-157. [PMID: 31252271 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.05.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Sex-related differences have been reported in patients with neurological and psychiatric disorders. It is also plausible to assume that there might be differences between females and males with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES). METHODS In this retrospective study, we investigated patients with PNES, who were admitted to the epilepsy monitoring units at centers in Iran, the USA, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, and Venezuela. Age, sex, age at seizure onset, seizure semiology, factors potentially predisposing to PNES, and video-electroencephalography recording of all patients were registered routinely. RESULTS Four hundred and fifty-one patients had PNES-only and were eligible for inclusion; 305 patients (67.6%) were females. We executed a logistic regression analysis, evaluating significant variables in univariate analyses (i.e., age, age at onset, aura, presence of historical sexual or physical abuse, and family dysfunction). The only variables retaining significance were historical sexual abuse (p = 0.005) and presence of aura (p = 0.01); physical abuse was borderline significant (p = 0.05) (all three were more prevalent among females). CONCLUSION Similarities between females and males outweigh the differences with regard to the demographic and clinical characteristics of PNES. However, notable differences are that females more often report lifetime adverse experiences (sexual and probably physical abuse) and auras. While social, psychological, and genetic factors may interact with lifetime adverse experiences in the inception of PNES, the link is not yet clear. This is an interesting avenue for future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali A Asadi-Pooya
- Shiraz Medical School, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Jefferson Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Lorna Myers
- Northeast Regional Epilepsy Group, New York, USA.
| | - Kette Valente
- Institute of Psychiatry, Hospital das Clinicas, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Luciana D' Alessio
- Buenos Aires University, Epilepsy Center, Ramos Mejía and EL Cruce Hospitals, ENyS-IBCN-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Tyson Sawchuk
- Children's Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Canada; University of Nicosia, School of Social Sciences, Department of Psychology, Cyprus.
| | - Maryam Homayoun
- Shiraz Medical School, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zahra Bahrami
- Shiraz Medical School, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Rudá Alessi
- Institute of Psychiatry, Hospital das Clinicas, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Silvia Kochen
- Buenos Aires University, Epilepsy Center, Ramos Mejía and EL Cruce Hospitals, ENyS-IBCN-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jeffrey Buchhalter
- Children's Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Canada; University of Calgary, Cumming School of Medicine, Departments of Pediatrics, Canada
| | - Firas Taha
- Northeast Regional Epilepsy Group, New York, USA.
| | | | - Susannah Pick
- Section of Cognitive Neuropsychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings' College London, London, UK.
| | - Timothy Nicholson
- Section of Cognitive Neuropsychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings' College London, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Naganur VD, Kusmakar S, Chen Z, Palaniswami MS, Kwan P, O'Brien TJ. The utility of an automated and ambulatory device for detecting and differentiating epileptic and psychogenic non-epileptic seizures. Epilepsia Open 2019; 4:309-317. [PMID: 31168498 PMCID: PMC6546070 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Revised: 04/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Accurate differentiation between epileptic seizures (ES) and psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) can be challenging based on history alone. Inpatient video EEG monitoring (VEM) is often needed for a definitive diagnosis. However, VEM is highly resource intensive, is of limited availability, and cannot be undertaken over long periods. Previous research has shown that time-frequency analysis of accelerometer data could be utilized to differentiate between ES and PNES. Using a seizure detection and classification algorithm, we sought to examine the diagnostic utility of an automated analysis with an ambulatory accelerometer. METHODS A wrist-worn device was used to collect accelerometer data from patients during VEM admission, for diagnostic evaluation of convulsive seizures. An automated process, that involved the use of K-means clustering and support vector machines, was used to detect and classify each seizure as ES or PNES. The results were compared with VEM diagnoses determined by epileptologists blinded to the accelerometer data. RESULTS Twenty-four convulsive seizures, consisting of at least 20 seconds of sustained continuous activity, recorded from 11 patients during inpatient VEM (13 PNES from five patients and 11 ES from six patients) were included for analysis. The automated system detected all convulsive seizures (ES, PNES) from >661 hours of recording with 67 false alarms (2.4 per 24 hours). The sensitivity and specificity for classifying ES from PNES were 72.7% and 100%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values for classifying PNES were 81.3% and 100%, respectively. There was no significant difference between the classification results obtained from the automation process and the VEM diagnoses. SIGNIFICANCE This automated system can potentially provide a wearable out-of-hospital seizure diagnostic monitoring system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vaidehi D. Naganur
- Departments of Neurology and MedicineThe Melbourne Brain Centre, The Royal Melbourne HospitalParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Shitanshu Kusmakar
- Department of Electrical EngineeringThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Zhibin Chen
- Department of Electrical EngineeringThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | | | - Patrick Kwan
- Departments of Neurology and MedicineThe Melbourne Brain Centre, The Royal Melbourne HospitalParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical SchoolMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Terence J. O'Brien
- Departments of Neurology and MedicineThe Melbourne Brain Centre, The Royal Melbourne HospitalParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical SchoolMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Sexual abuse and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures. Neurol Sci 2019; 40:1607-1610. [DOI: 10.1007/s10072-019-03887-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
|
50
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review addresses the scope, evaluation, treatments, and outcomes of patients with nonepileptic episodic events with a focus on psychogenic nonepileptic seizures. Differentiation of the types of events, including a review of terminology, is included, as well as a brief review of special patient populations with these disorders. RECENT FINDINGS There are continued efforts to develop tools to improve the diagnosis of these disorders. A thorough evaluation with trained personnel and physicians knowledgeable in the assessment and treatment of these disorders is important. Although inpatient video-EEG monitoring in an epilepsy monitoring unit remains the gold standard for diagnosis, the assessment of clinical and historical factors is critical and can be useful in expediting the process and improving diagnostic certainty. International efforts have recently assisted in providing guidelines for the evaluation of the psychogenic disorders and may help target educational and other resources to underserved areas. SUMMARY The prompt and accurate diagnosis of nonepileptic episodic events and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures is possible with current technology, and the appropriate and targeted use of evidence-based treatments may help improve patient quality of life and avoid unnecessary disability in patients with these disorders.
Collapse
|