Are psychogenic non-epileptic seizures and psychogenic movement disorders two different entities? When even neurologists stop talking to each other

Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures and functional motor disorders in developmental age: A comparison of clinical and psychopathological features

BACKGROUND

Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES) and Functional Motor Disorders (FMDs) commonly represent the main clinical manifestations of Functional Neurological Disorders (FNDs). Despite their high prevalence in pediatric neurological services, literature on this topic is still spare for this population. The present study aimed to deepen the clinical knowledge of a pediatric FNDs sample through a demographic and clinical characterization of the most recurrent clinical patterns during the pediatric age. Moreover, a comparison of neuropsychological and psychopathological profiles of PNES and FMD patients was carried out to identify specific vulnerabilities and therapeutic targets linked with these different clinical manifestations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 43 FNDs patients (age range 7-17 years old) were retrospectively included in our study, enrolled in two subgroups: 20 with FMDs and 23 with PNES diagnosis. They were inpatients and outpatients referred over a period of 5 years and a standardized neurological, neuropsychological (WISC-IV/WAIS-IV), and psychiatric (CDI-2, MASC-2, ADES, DIS-Q, PID-5) evaluation was assessed.

RESULTS

In PNES patients the most common clinical phenotypes were functional tonic-clonic (52%) and atonic (32%) manifestations while in the FMDs group were gait alterations (60%), functional myoclonus (35%), and tremor (35%). A higher frequency of cognitive impairment was reported in PNES patients with higher anxiety-depressive symptom rates than FMDs patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Notably, specific neurocognitive and psychopathological profiles were described in PNES and FMDs, highlighting higher cognitive and psychiatric vulnerabilities in PNES, suggesting as well different strategy for therapeutic approaches.

Management of Functional Seizures and Functional Movement Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Comparative Study

INTRODUCTION

Functional neurological disorders (FND) are conditions that cause to alterations in nervous system functions. They are disabling and impair the quality of life of patients but that are potentially reversible provided they have specific management. Functional seizures (FS) and functional movement disorder (FMD) are among the most common subtypes. Studies suggest a strong overlap between FS and FMD; however, there are still no cross-sectional studies that compare the management between these two conditions. Thus, our focus was to carry out a research that compares how these two subtypes of FND are being managed, in addition to assessing rates of understanding and acceptance of a diagnosis of FND.

METHODS

It is a cross-sectional study with data collected from medical records and interviews with two patients' groups (FS and FMD) treated from a FND clinic of the public health system of Brazil.

RESULTS

From 105 medical records of patients with FND analyzed, 60 participants were eligible and agreed to participate in this research, being FS (n = 31) and FMD (n = 29). Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were found in the use of antiseizure (FS > FMD), opioids (FMD > FS), multi-professional follow-up (FMD > FS) and rates of understanding and acceptance of an FND diagnosis (FMD > FS). Similarities were found in sociodemographic profiles, medical follow-up, psychiatric comorbidities and use of antidepressants, anxiolytics, antipsychotics and mood stabilizers between two conditions.

CONCLUSION

More similarities than differences in management were found between FS and FMD. Similarities may be related to overlaps in sociodemographic and clinical characteristics between the two groups. Differences may be related to specific issues of each patient and condition. Regardless of the group, patients who perform psychotherapeutic follow-up have higher rates of understanding and acceptance of an FND diagnosis.

Individual differences in interoceptive accuracy and prediction error in motor functional neurological disorders: A DTI study

In motor functional neurological disorders (mFND), relationships between interoception (a construct of high theoretical relevance to its pathophysiology) and neuroanatomy have not been previously investigated. This study characterized white matter in mFND patients compared to healthy controls (HCs), and investigated associations between fiber bundle integrity and cardiac interoception. Voxel‐based analysis and tractography quantified fractional anisotropy (FA) in 38 mFND patients compared to 38 HCs. Secondary analyses compared functional seizures (FND‐seiz; n = 21) or functional movement disorders (n = 17) to HCs. Network lesion mapping identified gray matter origins of implicated fiber bundles. Within‐group mFND analyses investigated relationships between FA, heartbeat tracking accuracy and interoceptive trait prediction error (discrepancies between interoceptive accuracy and self‐reported bodily awareness). Results were corrected for multiple comparisons, and all findings were adjusted for depression and trait anxiety. mFND and HCs did not show any between‐group interoceptive accuracy or FA differences. However, the FND‐seiz subgroup compared to HCs showed decreased integrity in right‐lateralized tracts: extreme capsule/inferior fronto‐occipital fasciculus, arcuate fasciculus, inferior longitudinal fasciculus, and thalamic/striatum to occipital cortex projections. These alterations originated predominantly from the right temporoparietal junction and inferior temporal gyrus. In mFND patients, individual differences in interoceptive accuracy and interoceptive trait prediction error correlated with fiber bundle integrity originating from the insula, temporoparietal junction, putamen and thalamus among other regions. In this first study investigating brain‐interoception relationships in mFND, individual differences in interoceptive accuracy and trait prediction error mapped onto multimodal integration‐related fiber bundles. Right‐lateralized limbic and associative tract disruptions distinguished FND‐seiz from HCs.

The impact of sexual abuse on psychopathology of patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures

OBJECTIVES

In the present study, we evaluated if the presence of sexual abuse in the clinical history of patients with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) is associated with a different psychopathological profile.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a consecutive population of 63 PNES patients, we compared two demographically and clinically matched groups of patients with (no. 15) and without (no. 48) a history of sexual abuse using a comprehensive psychopathological assessment (Beck Depression Inventory, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Dissociative Experience Scale, Somatoform Dissociation Questionnaire, and Toronto Alexithymia Scale).

RESULTS

We found that the group of patients reporting sexual abuse is characterized by higher scores on Dissociative Experience Scale (p = 0.003) and Beck Depression Inventory (p = 0.001) with respect to the other group. No significant statistical differences in Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (p = 0.103), Toronto Alexithymia Scale (p = 0.137), and Somatoform Dissociation Questionnaire (p = 0.486) were captured. Moreover, we found that the negative effect on dissociate symptoms was also hampered by the increasing of seizure frequency.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reinforces the importance of traumatic screening in the clinical spectrum of PNES in order to implement and improve specific therapeutic strategies.

Nonepileptic attack disorder and functional movement disorder: A clinical continuum?

Nonepileptic attack disorder (NEAD) and functional movement disorder (FMD) are functional neurological disorders commonly seen in neuropsychiatry services. Although their initial referral pathways involve epileptologists (NEAD) and specialists in movement disorders (FMD), these conditions are currently classified as two possible manifestations of a single underlying conversion disorder. We set out to compare the characteristics of patients with NEAD and patients with FMD in order to quantify the degree of overlap between these patient groups. We retrospectively reviewed comprehensive clinical data from 146 consecutive patients with functional neurological disorders (NEAD: n = 117; FMD: n = 29) attending a specialist Neuropsychiatry Clinic run by a single Consultant in Behavioral Neurology. The two clinical groups were directly compared with regard to demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as somatic and psychiatric presentations. The results showed that in most features, there were no significant differences between patients with NEAD and patients with FMD. However, patients with NEAD reported an earlier age at onset (p = 0.033) and a higher proportion of acute onset (p = 0.037), alterations of consciousness (p = 0.001), and headache (p = 0.042), whereas patients with FMD reported a higher prevalence of childhood abuse (p = 0.008), as well as mobility problems (p = 0.007) and comorbid functional symptoms (dysarthria, p = 0.004; dizziness, p = 0.035; weakness, p = 0.049). Despite different phenotypic presentations, NEAD and FMD might represent a clinical continuum, with relevant implications in terms of both diagnostic strategies and treatment approaches.

Attention and inhibitory control deficits in patients with genetic generalized epilepsy and psychogenic nonepileptic seizure

This study aimed to evaluate the attention and inhibitory control functions in patients with genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE) and psychogenic nonepileptic seizure (PNES) and compare the results with the healthy control subjects. A total of 30 patients with GGE, 30 patients with PNES, and 32 healthy control subjects were included in the study. The severity of attention and inhibitory control deficit, general intelligence status, and psychopathology screening in all subjects were respectively investigated with the Integrated Visual and Auditory Continuous Performance Test (IVA-CPT), the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS), and the Symptoms Checklist 90-revised (SCL-90-R). Patients with PNES had severe impairments in all performed tasks compared with the control group and the group with GGE (p < 0.01), whereas patients with GGE had significantly lower attention quotient versus healthy subjects (p < 0.01). The full-scale attention quotient (FSAQ) and full-scale response control quotient (FSRCQ) in patients with PNES were significantly lower in comparison with GGE (47.83 ± 32.68, 60.18 ± 35.35, p < 0.01), respectively. Multiple regression analysis did not demonstrate any significant effect of seizure frequency or epilepsy duration on attention and inhibitory control deficits, but patient's intelligence quotient (IQ) showed a significant effect on FSAQ and FSRCQ (β: 0.997, p < 0.001; β: 0.933, p < 0.001, respectively). Attention and inhibitory control are significantly impaired in patients with GGE and PNES. The cognitive deficits in patients with GGE and PNES have potentially important clinical implications in planning their neuropsychological rehabilitation.

From Conversion Disorders to Functional Neurological Disorders. Overcoming the Rule-out Diagnosis?

Functional neurological disorders, formerly referred to as conversion disorders, are a frequent clinical problem in neurology, psychiatry and primary care departments. In the new diagnostic categories, emphasis is placed on the positive characteristics necessary to diagnose this disorder. A narrative review of the scientific medical literature related to the subject was performed in order to determine the differences and advantages that the new classification of functional neurological disorders gives to doctors and patients. Historical, diagnostic, clinical and treatment concepts related to functional neurological disorders are reviewed. The conceptual differences between conversion disorders and functional neurological disorders and the implications of these changes in the clinical approach are identified. The new proposed diagnosis for functional neurological disorders provides the opportunity to transform a diagnosis made by ruling out other pathologies to a diagnosis where the presence of neurological signs suggestive of the disorder are verified and can be taught to the patient, and based on them, treatment strategies posed.

Are psychogenic non-epileptic seizures just another symptom of conversion disorder?

BACKGROUND

Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) are classified with other functional neurological symptoms as 'Conversion Disorder', but there are reasons to wonder whether this symptomatology constitutes a distinct entity.

METHODS

We reviewed the literature comparing PNES with other functional neurological symptoms.

RESULTS

We find eight studies that directly examined this question. Though all but one found significant differences-notably in presenting age, trauma history, and dissociation-they were divided on whether these differences represented an important distinction.

CONCLUSION

We argue that the aetiological and mechanistic distinctions they support, particularly when bolstered by additional data, give reason to sustain a separation between these conditions.

Preliminary Predictors of Initial Attendance, Symptom Burden, and Motor Subtype in a US Functional Neurological Disorders Clinic Population

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Although many patients present with functional neurological symptoms (FNS), few US clinics offer specialized FNS care, and data on clinic attendees remain limited. We determined predictors of initial attendance, symptom burden, and FNS subtype in the first patients referred to our Functional Neurological Disorders Clinic for suspected FNS.

METHODS

We reviewed the charts of 62 consecutive patients (46 women, 16 men). Regression analyses investigated predictors of keeping the first scheduled clinic appointment. For the 49 patients who did keep that appointment, regression analyses examined neuropsychiatric factors associated with symptom burden and motor FNS subtypes.

RESULTS

The odds of not keeping the first appointment were 10.4 times greater for patients referred from the emergency department than from other sources. The patients who kept their appointment reported a symptom burden that was significantly associated with a past FNS-related emergency department visit and a diagnosis of another medically unexplained somatic syndrome. The number of FNS findings on neurological examination also correlated with a history of an FNS-related emergency department visit. Patients with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures reported cognitive complaints and prior psychiatric hospitalizations significantly more often than did patients with other FNS. One fourth of all patients had two or more motor FNS.

CONCLUSIONS

In our FNS cohort, patients were less likely to keep an initial clinic appointment if they were referred from the emergency department than from other sources. Patients with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures were more likely to report cognitive symptoms and past psychiatric hospitalizations than patients with other FNS.

Psychological and psychiatric aspects of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES): A systematic review

Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) are common in neurological settings and often associated with considerable distress and disability. The psychological mechanisms underlying PNES are poorly understood and there is a lack of well-established, evidence-based treatments. This paper advances our understanding of PNES by providing a comprehensive systematic review of the evidence pertaining to the main theoretical models of this phenomenon. Methodological quality appraisal and effect size calculation were conducted on one hundred forty empirical studies on the following aspects of PNES: life adversity, dissociation, anxiety, suggestibility, attentional dysfunction, family/relationship problems, insecure attachment, defence mechanisms, somatization/conversion, coping, emotion regulation, alexithymia, emotional processing, symptom modelling, learning and expectancy. Although most of the studies were only of low to moderate quality, some findings are sufficiently consistent to warrant tentative conclusions: (i) physical symptom reporting is elevated in patients with PNES; (ii) trait dissociation and exposure to traumatic events are common but not inevitable correlates of PNES; (iii) there is a mismatch between subjective reports of anxiety and physical arousal during PNES; and (iv) inconsistent findings in this area are likely to be attributable to the heterogeneity of patients with PNES. Empirical, theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.

Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures and movement disorders: A comparative review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Neurologic symptoms due to a psychogenic cause are frequently seen in clinical practice. Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) and psychogenic movement disorders (PMD) are among the most common psychogenic neurologic disorders. PNES and PMD are usually investigated and managed separately by different neurology subspecialists. We review the main epidemiologic and clinical features of both PNES and PMD, aiming to highlight their similarities and differences and to see whether a common framework for these disorders exists.

RECENT FINDINGS

Data from the literature show that there is a profound overlap between PNES and PMD, which would argue for a larger unifying pathophysiology with variable phenotypic manifestations.

SUMMARY

Collaborative and integrated research among epileptologists, movement disorders experts, psychiatrists, psychologists, and physiotherapists may increase our collective knowledge about the pathophysiologic mechanisms of PNES and PMD and therefore improve outcomes for these patients.

Childhood trauma and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: A review of findings with speculations on the underlying mechanisms

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this review was to examine the possible link between psychological trauma in a patient's medical history and the onset of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES).

METHODOLOGY

An electronic search of published reports was made using the search engines PubMed-MedLine, EBSCO, PsycINFO, SFX, and Embase and the keywords "PNES", "psychogenic seizures", "sexual abuse", and "trauma".

RESULTS

A correlation emerged between history of childhood trauma and the presence of PNES. Antecedent trauma was more frequent in females than in males and in patients exhibiting psychiatric disorders but was inversely correlated with cognitive impairment.

CONCLUSIONS

In the presence of PNES, it is important to accurately investigate the patient's medical history in search of psychological trauma, particularly in women and in patients with psychiatric disorders.

An integrative neurocircuit perspective on psychogenic nonepileptic seizures and functional movement disorders: neural functional unawareness

Functional neurological disorder (conversion disorder) is a neurobehavioral condition frequently encountered by neurologists. Psychogenic nonepileptic seizure (PNES) and functional movement disorder (FMD) patients present to epileptologists and movement disorder specialists respectively, yet neurologists lack a neurobiological perspective through which to understand these enigmatic groups. Observational research studies suggest that PNES and FMD may represent variants of similar (or the same) conditions given that both groups exhibit a female predominance, have increased prevalence of mood-anxiety disorders, frequently endorse prior abuse, and share phenotypic characteristics. In this perspective article, neuroimaging studies in PNES and FMD are reviewed, and discussed using studies of emotional dysregulation, dissociation and psychological trauma in the context of motor control. Convergent neuroimaging findings implicate alterations in brain circuits mediating emotional expression, regulation and awareness (anterior cingulate and ventromedial prefrontal cortices, insula, amygdala, vermis), cognitive control and motor inhibition (dorsal anterior cingulate, dorsolateral prefrontal, inferior frontal cortices), self-referential processing and perceptual awareness (posterior parietal cortex, temporoparietal junction), and motor planning and coordination (supplementary motor area, cerebellum). Striatal-thalamic components of prefrontal-parietal networks may also play a role in pathophysiology. Aberrant medial prefrontal and amygdalar neuroplastic changes mediated by chronic stress may facilitate the development of functional neurological symptoms in a subset of patients. Improved biological understanding of PNES and FMD will likely reduce stigma and aid the identification of neuroimaging biomarkers guiding treatment development, selection, and prognosis. Additional research should investigate neurocircuit abnormalities within and across functional neurological disorder subtypes, as well as compare PNES and FMD with mood-anxiety-dissociative disorders.

Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures and psychogenic movement disorders: two sides of the same coin?

Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) and psychogenic movement disorders (PMD) are commonly seen in Neurology practice and are categorized in the DSM-5 as functional neurological disorders/conversion disorders. This review encompasses historical and epidemiological data, clinical aspects, diagnostic criteria, treatment and prognosis of these rather challenging and often neglected patients. As a group they have puzzled generations of neurologists and psychiatrists and in some ways continue to do so, perhaps embodying and justifying the ultimate and necessary link between these specialties.