1
|
Gigliotti F, Di Santo F, Cesario S, Esposito D, Manti F, Galosi S, Ferrara M, Leuzzi V, Baglioni V. Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures and functional motor disorders in developmental age: A comparison of clinical and psychopathological features. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 140:109117. [PMID: 36804846 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Gigliotti
- Division of Child and Adolescent Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.
| | - F Di Santo
- Division of Child and Adolescent Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.
| | - S Cesario
- Division of Child and Adolescent Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.
| | - D Esposito
- Division of Child and Adolescent Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.
| | - F Manti
- Division of Child and Adolescent Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.
| | - S Galosi
- Division of Child and Adolescent Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.
| | - M Ferrara
- Division of Child and Adolescent Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.
| | - V Leuzzi
- Division of Child and Adolescent Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.
| | - V Baglioni
- Division of Child and Adolescent Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Dal Pasquale BG, Teive HAG, von der Heyde MD, Dal Pasquale LFA. Management of Functional Seizures and Functional Movement Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Comparative Study. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2022; 18:2121-2131. [PMID: 36172265 PMCID: PMC9512033 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s383552] [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] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Gabriel Dal Pasquale
- Postgraduate Program in Internal Medicine and Health Sciences, Hospital of Clinics Complex, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Hélio Afonso Ghizoni Teive
- Movement Disorders Sector, Neurology Service, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital of Clinics Complex, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Daudt von der Heyde
- Postgraduate Program in Internal Medicine and Health Sciences, Hospital of Clinics Complex, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Saxena A, Perez DL. A transdiagnostic and biopsychosocial-informed perspective across functional seizures and functional movement disorder. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 117:107749. [PMID: 33509632 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/25/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aneeta Saxena
- Division of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; Functional Neurological Disorder Clinical and Research Program, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - David L Perez
- Functional Neurological Disorder Clinical and Research Program, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sojka P, Diez I, Bareš M, Perez DL. Individual differences in interoceptive accuracy and prediction error in motor functional neurological disorders: A DTI study. Hum Brain Mapp 2020; 42:1434-1445. [PMID: 33615622 PMCID: PMC7927304 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.25304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Petr Sojka
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University Brno and University Hospital, Brno, Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Psychology and Psychosomatics, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University and University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ibai Diez
- Department of Neurology, Functional Neurological Disorder Research Program, Behavioral Neurology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA.,Gordon Center, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Martin Bareš
- First Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University and St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - David L Perez
- Department of Neurology, Functional Neurological Disorder Research Program, Behavioral Neurology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Neuropsychiatry Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
The impact of sexual abuse on psychopathology of patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures. Neurol Sci 2020; 42:1423-1428. [PMID: 32794127 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-020-04652-7] [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: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
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.
Collapse
|
6
|
Rather MA, Cavanna AE. Nonepileptic attack disorder and functional movement disorder: A clinical continuum? Epilepsy Behav 2020; 106:107028. [PMID: 32203928 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107028] [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: 01/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Amir Rather
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, University of Birmingham and BSMHFT, Birmingham, UK
| | - Andrea E Cavanna
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, University of Birmingham and BSMHFT, Birmingham, UK; School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston Brain Centre, Aston University, Birmingham, UK; Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, Institute of Neurology and UCL, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Simani L, Roozbeh M, Rostami M, Pakdaman H, Ramezani M, Asadollahi M. Attention and inhibitory control deficits in patients with genetic generalized epilepsy and psychogenic nonepileptic seizure. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 102:106672. [PMID: 31739099 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.106672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2019] [Revised: 10/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leila Simani
- Brain Mapping Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Skull Base Research Center, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Roozbeh
- Brain Mapping Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Rostami
- Institute for Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Pakdaman
- Brain Mapping Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahtab Ramezani
- Brain Mapping Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Marjan Asadollahi
- Department of Epilepsy, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Restrepo M, Restrepo D. From Conversion Disorders to Functional Neurological Disorders. Overcoming the Rule-out Diagnosis? REVISTA COLOMBIANA DE PSIQUIATRIA (ENGLISH ED.) 2019; 48:174-181. [PMID: 31426920 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcp.2017.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Revised: 07/23/2017] [Accepted: 10/22/2017] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
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.
Collapse
|
9
|
A Case of Functional Dystonia with Associated Functional Neurological Symptoms: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges. Harv Rev Psychiatry 2018. [PMID: 28650853 DOI: 10.1097/hrp.0000000000000135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
10
|
Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures (PNES) as a Network Disorder - Evidence From Neuroimaging of Functional (Psychogenic) Neurological Disorders. Epilepsy Curr 2018; 18:211-216. [PMID: 30254510 DOI: 10.5698/1535-7597.18.4.211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
|
11
|
Kanaan RAA, Duncan R, Goldstein LH, Jankovic J, Cavanna AE. Are psychogenic non-epileptic seizures just another symptom of conversion disorder? J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2017; 88:425-429. [PMID: 28235779 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2017-315639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Revised: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard A A Kanaan
- Department of Psychiatry, Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia .,Departments of Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, London, UK
| | - Roderick Duncan
- Department of Neurology, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Laura H Goldstein
- Departments of Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, London, UK
| | - Joseph Jankovic
- Department of Neurology, Parkinson's Disease Center and Movement Disorders Clinic, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Andrea E Cavanna
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust and University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK.,Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Preliminary Predictors of Initial Attendance, Symptom Burden, and Motor Subtype in a US Functional Neurological Disorders Clinic Population. Cogn Behav Neurol 2017; 29:197-205. [PMID: 27984257 DOI: 10.1097/wnn.0000000000000106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
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.
Collapse
|
13
|
Brown RJ, Reuber M. Psychological and psychiatric aspects of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES): A systematic review. Clin Psychol Rev 2016; 45:157-82. [PMID: 27084446 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2016.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Revised: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 01/24/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Brown
- 2nd Floor Zochonis Building, Brunswick Street, School of Psychological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK.
| | - Markus Reuber
- Academic Neurology Unit, University of Sheffield, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2JF, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Erro R, Brigo F, Trinka E, Turri G, Edwards MJ, Tinazzi M. Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures and movement disorders: A comparative review. Neurol Clin Pract 2016; 6:138-149. [PMID: 27104066 DOI: 10.1212/cpj.0000000000000235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Erro
- Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders (RE, MJE), University College London (UCL) Institute of Neurology, UK; Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Biomedicina e Movimento (RE, FB, GT, MT), Università di Verona; Divisione di Neurologia (FB), Ospedale "Franz Tappeiner," Merano, Italy; Department of Neurology (ET), Christian Doppler Klinik, Paracelsus Medical University; and Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience (ET), Salzburg, Austria
| | - Francesco Brigo
- Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders (RE, MJE), University College London (UCL) Institute of Neurology, UK; Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Biomedicina e Movimento (RE, FB, GT, MT), Università di Verona; Divisione di Neurologia (FB), Ospedale "Franz Tappeiner," Merano, Italy; Department of Neurology (ET), Christian Doppler Klinik, Paracelsus Medical University; and Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience (ET), Salzburg, Austria
| | - Eugen Trinka
- Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders (RE, MJE), University College London (UCL) Institute of Neurology, UK; Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Biomedicina e Movimento (RE, FB, GT, MT), Università di Verona; Divisione di Neurologia (FB), Ospedale "Franz Tappeiner," Merano, Italy; Department of Neurology (ET), Christian Doppler Klinik, Paracelsus Medical University; and Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience (ET), Salzburg, Austria
| | - Giulia Turri
- Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders (RE, MJE), University College London (UCL) Institute of Neurology, UK; Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Biomedicina e Movimento (RE, FB, GT, MT), Università di Verona; Divisione di Neurologia (FB), Ospedale "Franz Tappeiner," Merano, Italy; Department of Neurology (ET), Christian Doppler Klinik, Paracelsus Medical University; and Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience (ET), Salzburg, Austria
| | - Mark J Edwards
- Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders (RE, MJE), University College London (UCL) Institute of Neurology, UK; Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Biomedicina e Movimento (RE, FB, GT, MT), Università di Verona; Divisione di Neurologia (FB), Ospedale "Franz Tappeiner," Merano, Italy; Department of Neurology (ET), Christian Doppler Klinik, Paracelsus Medical University; and Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience (ET), Salzburg, Austria
| | - Michele Tinazzi
- Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders (RE, MJE), University College London (UCL) Institute of Neurology, UK; Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Biomedicina e Movimento (RE, FB, GT, MT), Università di Verona; Divisione di Neurologia (FB), Ospedale "Franz Tappeiner," Merano, Italy; Department of Neurology (ET), Christian Doppler Klinik, Paracelsus Medical University; and Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience (ET), Salzburg, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Beghi M, Cornaggia I, Magaudda A, Perin C, Peroni F, Cornaggia CM. Childhood trauma and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: A review of findings with speculations on the underlying mechanisms. Epilepsy Behav 2015; 52:169-73. [PMID: 26432009 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2015.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2015] [Revised: 08/31/2015] [Accepted: 09/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Beghi
- Department of Mental Health, "Salvini" Hospital, Garbagnate Milanese, Milan, Italy.
| | - Isotta Cornaggia
- Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, University of Milano Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Adriana Magaudda
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurosciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Cecilia Perin
- Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, University of Milano Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Federica Peroni
- Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, University of Milano Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Cesare Maria Cornaggia
- Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, University of Milano Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Perez DL, Dworetzky BA, Dickerson BC, Leung L, Cohn R, Baslet G, Silbersweig DA. An integrative neurocircuit perspective on psychogenic nonepileptic seizures and functional movement disorders: neural functional unawareness. Clin EEG Neurosci 2015; 46:4-15. [PMID: 25432161 PMCID: PMC4363170 DOI: 10.1177/1550059414555905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David L Perez
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Lorene Leung
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rachel Cohn
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gaston Baslet
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David A Silbersweig
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Paola LD, Marchetti RL, Teive HAG, LaFrance WC. Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures and psychogenic movement disorders: two sides of the same coin? ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2014; 72:793-802. [DOI: 10.1590/0004-282x20140111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2014] [Accepted: 06/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luciano De Paola
- Serviço de Neurologia, Hospital de Clínicas, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Renato L Marchetti
- Instituto de Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Hélio Afonso Ghizoni Teive
- Departamento de Transtornos do Movimento, Hospital de Clínicas, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - W Curt LaFrance
- Psychiatry and Neurology Departments, Brown Medical School, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| |
Collapse
|