1
|
Popoluska E, Levita L, Reuber M. The role of shame in functional and epileptic seizures. Seizure 2024; 120:165-172. [PMID: 39024716 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2024.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Shame, a complex social emotion, may play a clinically important role in seizure disorders. Therefore, this study examined levels of shame aversion & shame proneness and their relationship with various mental health difficulties (MHDs), and seizure frequency & severity in people with functional seizures (PWFS) and epilepsy (PWE). METHODS In this cross-sectional study, PWFS (N = 68) and PWE (N = 70) were recruited through a neurology clinic and charities, completed online self-reported measures of shame proneness & aversion, seizure frequency & severity, depression, anxiety, somatic symptoms, and perceived socioeconomic status (PSS). Data analyses involved t-tests, correlations, and moderated regression analyses. RESULTS Both PWFS and PWE showed high and equivalent levels of shame aversion & proneness; mean levels of these measures were more than a standard deviation higher in PWFS and PWE, than in non-clinical populations of previous studies. Both groups had clinically high levels of depression and somatic symptoms, but not anxiety, with PWFS having significantly higher levels than PWE. Shame aversion predicted anxiety and depression in both groups, even after controlling for PSS, age, and gender. Interestingly, PSS, a demographic control variable, significantly predicted depression, anxiety, somatic symptoms, and seizure frequency in both groups. CONCLUSION We observed high levels of shame and MHDs in PWFS and PWE. Shame aversion predicted anxiety and depression in both groups, even after controlling for demographic variables. Our findings underline the significant role of shame in people with seizures, despite the differences between PWFS and PWE being smaller than expected.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Popoluska
- The University of Sheffield, Department of Psychology, Sheffield, S1 2LT, UK.
| | - Liat Levita
- University of Sussex, School of Psychology, Falmer, BN1 QH, UK
| | - Markus Reuber
- Academic Neurology Unit, University of Sheffield, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, S10 2JF, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rider F, Turchinets A, Druzhkova T, Kustov G, Guekht A, Gulyaeva N. Dissimilar Changes in Serum Cortisol after Epileptic and Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures: A Promising Biomarker in the Differential Diagnosis of Paroxysmal Events? Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7387. [PMID: 39000494 PMCID: PMC11242564 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is known to be involved in the pathogenesis of epilepsy and psychiatric disorders. Epileptic seizures (ESs) and psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNESs) are frequently differentially misdiagnosed. This study aimed to evaluate changes in serum cortisol and prolactin levels after ESs and PNESs as possible differential diagnostic biomarkers. Patients over 18 years with ESs (n = 29) and PNESs with motor manifestations (n = 45), captured on video-EEG monitoring, were included. Serum cortisol and prolactin levels as well as hemograms were assessed in blood samples taken at admission, during the first hour after the seizure, and after 6, 12, and 24 h. Cortisol and prolactine response were evident in the ES group (but not the PNES group) as an acute significant increase within the first hour after seizure. The occurrence of seizures in patients with ESs and PNESs demonstrated different circadian patterns. ROC analysis confirmed the accuracy of discrimination between paroxysmal events based on cortisol response: the AUC equals 0.865, with a prediction accuracy at the cutoff point of 376.5 nmol/L 0.811 (sensitivity 86.7%, specificity 72.4%). Thus, assessments of acute serum cortisol response to a paroxysmal event may be regarded as a simple, fast, and minimally invasive laboratory test contributing to differential diagnosis of ESs and PNESs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Flora Rider
- Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry of Moscow Healthcare Department, Moscow 107076, Russia
| | - Alexander Turchinets
- Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry of Moscow Healthcare Department, Moscow 107076, Russia
| | - Tatyana Druzhkova
- Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry of Moscow Healthcare Department, Moscow 107076, Russia
| | - Georgii Kustov
- Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry of Moscow Healthcare Department, Moscow 107076, Russia
| | - Alla Guekht
- Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry of Moscow Healthcare Department, Moscow 107076, Russia
- Department of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Medical Genetics, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Natalia Gulyaeva
- Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry of Moscow Healthcare Department, Moscow 107076, Russia
- Laboratory of Functional Biochemistry of Nervous System, Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117485, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Schaefer Bennett G, Naik S, Krawiec C. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Diagnostic Frequency and Medical Therapies Applied to Subjects With Functional Seizures. Neurohospitalist 2024; 14:253-258. [PMID: 38895022 PMCID: PMC11181988 DOI: 10.1177/19418744241232011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Purposes The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was associated with catastrophic consequences and increased psychological distress. However, it is unknown if the pandemic impacted the frequency of functional seizures (FS), a well known manifestation of psychiatric disease. The study objectives are to evaluate FS diagnostic code frequency before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and the therapies applied. We hypothesized that FS frequency would be higher during the pandemic, but that the therapies applied would be similar between the two time periods. Methods This was a retrospective observational cohort study utilizing the TriNetX ® electronic health record (EHR) database. We included subjects aged 8 to 65 years with a diagnostic code of "conversion disorder with seizures or convulsions." After the query, the study population was divided into 2 groups [pre-COVID-19 (3/1/2018 to 2/29/2020) and COVID-19 (3/1/2020 to 2/28/2022). We analyzed subject demographics, diagnostic, procedure, and medication codes. Results We included 8680 subjects [5029 (57.9%) pre-COVID-19 and 3651 (42.1%) COVID-19] in this study. There was a higher odds of mental health conditions, anxiolytic prescription, emergency department services, and hospital services, but a lower odds of critical care services during COVID-19. There was no difference in antiepileptic use between the time periods. Conclusions During the COVID-19 pandemic, a higher odds of anxiolytic use, need for emergency department services, and hospital services was reported. In addition, there was a decreased odds of critical care services. This may reflect a change in how patients with FS were managed during the pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sunil Naik
- Department of Neurology, Penn State Milton Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Conrad Krawiec
- Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital, Hershey, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Vilyte G, Butler J, Ives-Deliperi V, Pretorius C. Medical and psychiatric comorbidities, somatic and cognitive symptoms, injuries and medical procedure history in patients with functional seizures from a public and a private hospital. Seizure 2024; 119:110-118. [PMID: 38851095 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2024.06.001] [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: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients with functional seizures (FS), otherwise known as psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES), from different socioeconomic backgrounds may differ, however, this remains a gap in current literature. Comorbidities can play both a precipitating and a perpetuating role in FS and are important in the planning of individual treatment for this condition. With this study, we aimed to describe and compare the reported medical and psychiatric comorbidities, injuries, somatic and cognitive symptoms, and medical procedures among patients with FS from a private and a public epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU) in Cape Town, South Africa. METHODS This is a retrospective case-control study. We collected data on the comorbidity and medical procedure histories, as well as symptoms and clinical signs reported by patients with video-electroencephalographically (video-EEG) confirmed FS without comorbid epilepsy. We used digital patient records starting with the earliest available digital record for each hospital until the year 2022. RESULTS A total of 305 patients from a private hospital and 67 patients from a public hospital were included in the study (N = 372). Public hospital patients had higher odds of reporting intellectual disability (aOR=15.58, 95% CI [1.80, 134.95]), circulatory system disease (aOR=2.63, 95% CI [1.02, 6.78]) and gait disturbance (aOR=8.52, 95% CI [1.96, 37.08]) compared to patients with FS attending the private hospital. They did, however, have fewer odds of reporting a history of an infectious or parasitic disease (aOR=0.31, 95% CI [0.11, 0.87]), respiratory system disease (aOR=0.23, 95% CI [0.06, 0.82]), or medical procedures in the past (aOR=0.32, 95% CI [0.16, 0.63]). CONCLUSION The study presents prevalence and comparative data on the medical profiles of patients with FS from different socioeconomic backgrounds which may inform future considerations in FS diagnosis and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Vilyte
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
| | - James Butler
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Victoria Ives-Deliperi
- Neuroscience Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Chrisma Pretorius
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Capitaine P, Thomas B, Gradel A, Ferté T, Branchard O, Frison E, Renaudeau V, Aupy J. Evaluation of quality of life's prognostic factors in people with functional seizures. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2024; 180:524-531. [PMID: 38040548 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2023.09.007] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Functional non-epileptic seizures significantly impact the quality of life of patients. We aimed to identify prognostic factors associated with the quality of life in individuals with functional non-epileptic seizures. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Adult patients diagnosed with definite or documented functional seizures based on LaFrance's criteria (n=72) were enrolled at the time of diagnosis. Quality of life was assessed using the Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory-31 (QOLIE-31) at diagnosis and at a six-month follow-up. Demographic and medical information was collected, and psychiatric comorbidities were evaluated using validated scales. RESULTS Comparisons between diagnosis and follow-up did not reveal any factors associated with improvement in quality of life at six months after diagnosis. However, multivariable analysis, adjusted for age, sex, diagnosis delay, and frequency of functional seizures showed a significant cross-sectional relationship with a QOLIE-31 score decrease of 0.66 [95% CI -0.93;-0.39], -0.32 [-0.61; -0.03], and -0.22 [-0.42; -0.02] for an increase of 1 point of BDI-2 score, BAI score, and CTQ score respectively. CONCLUSION Psychiatric comorbidities, particularly depression and anxiety, are associated with worse quality of life in patients with functional seizures. This underscores the crucial importance of multidisciplinary care involving both neurological and psychiatric expertise when managing individuals with functional seizures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Capitaine
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, CHU de Bordeaux, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - B Thomas
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, CHU de Bordeaux, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - A Gradel
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, CHU de Bordeaux, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - T Ferté
- Service d'information médicale, CHU de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - O Branchard
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, CHU de Bordeaux, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - E Frison
- Service d'information médicale, CHU de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - V Renaudeau
- Service d'information médicale, CHU de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - J Aupy
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, CHU de Bordeaux, 33076 Bordeaux, France; Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, IMN, UMR 5293, Bordeaux, France.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lawlor M, Huynh B, Humphreys K, Ogunbowale L, Kopelman MD, Plant GT. Observational cohort study of 100 patients presenting with functional visual loss: clinical characteristics and comparison with other functional neurologic disorders. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2024:S0008-4182(24)00063-2. [PMID: 38580217 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjo.2024.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Recent research has helped to develop a more detailed understanding of many functional neurologic disorders. The aim of this study was to increase our knowledge of functional visual loss and to compare the findings with those of other functional syndromes. DESIGN Prospective and retrospective observational cohort study. METHODS This study took place at neuro-ophthalmology clinics at 3 major hospitals in London, United Kingdom, over a 12-month period. The study population consisted of 157 participants, 100 with functional visual loss, 21 pathologic control subjects with organic visual loss, and 36 healthy nonpathologic control subjects. All participants had their diagnosis confirmed with a full neuro-ophthalmic examination, neuroimaging, and visual electrophysiology. A full assessment of all participants' medical history was obtained from their general practitioner, and all participants completed a series of questionnaires assessing relevant associations. RESULTS Data were obtained on 157 participants, 100 with functional visual loss, 21 pathologic control subjects with organic visual loss, and 36 healthy nonpathologic control subjects. Participants with functional visual loss were typically female (74%) with a mean age at vision loss of 40.0 ± 16 years. Sixty-four percent of participants had bilateral vision loss; the remainder, unilateral loss. Twenty-six percent of the total cohort had organic visual loss with functional overlay. Fifty percent of participants with functional visual loss had a preexisting psychiatric diagnosis, the most common being a depressive disorder. Sixty-two percent of participants had an ocular history, and 87% had a previously diagnosed medical illness, most commonly neurologic (45%). Thirty-five percent of participants self-reported at least 1 additional functional symptom. CONCLUSIONS Our population of functional visual loss subjects shares many similarities with the majority of patients with other functional neurologic disorders. They are generally young and female and have a greater than expected rate of psychiatric, medical, and coexisting ocular conditions. We found increased rates of precipitating stressors, clinical depression, and organic eye problems in subjects with functional visual loss.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell Lawlor
- Save Sight Institute, Sydney, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Department of Ophthalmology, Sydney Eye Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Brandon Huynh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sydney Eye Hospital, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Kate Humphreys
- Cleveland Clinic London Hospital, London, United Kingdom; Department of Neuropsychiatry and Memory Disorders, St. Thomas Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lola Ogunbowale
- Department of Neuro-Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michael D Kopelman
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gordon Terence Plant
- Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kustov G, Zhuravlev D, Zinchuk M, Popova S, Tikhonova O, Yakovlev A, Rider F, Guekht A. Maladaptive personality traits in patients with epilepsy and psychogenic non-epileptic seizures. Seizure 2024; 117:77-82. [PMID: 38342044 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2024.02.005] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to evaluate the sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological characteristics associated with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) in patients with epilepsy, with particular emphasis on the personality profile assessed from a dimensional perspective. METHODS The cohort study included 77 consecutive inpatients with active epilepsy aged 36-55 years; 52 (67.5%) were female. The presence of PNES was confirmed by video-EEG monitoring. All patients underwent the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview to diagnose psychiatric disorders. All participants completed the Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory in Epilepsy, the Epilepsy Anxiety Survey Instrument - brief version, and the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 and ICD-11 Brief Form Plus Modified. Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used to compare categorical variables, and the Brunner-Munzel test was used for quantitative variables. RESULTS Twenty-four patients (31.2%) had both epilepsy and PNES. There were no significant differences in social, demographic or clinical characteristics, psychiatric diagnoses or depression severity. Compared to patients with epilepsy alone, patients with epilepsy and PNES had higher anxiety scores and more pronounced maladaptive personality traits such as disinhibition and psychoticism. SIGNIFICANCE The main novelty of our study is that using the recently proposed dimensional approach to personality disorders and an appropriate instrument we assessed all personality domains listed in two of the most widely used classifications of mental disorders (DSM-5 and ICD-11) in PWE with and without PNES. To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate the association of the maladaptive traits of psychoticism and disinhibition with the development of PNES in PWE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Kustov
- Moscow Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry, Donskaya st., 43, Moscow 115419, Russian Federation
| | - D Zhuravlev
- Moscow Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry, Donskaya st., 43, Moscow 115419, Russian Federation
| | - M Zinchuk
- Moscow Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry, Donskaya st., 43, Moscow 115419, Russian Federation.
| | - S Popova
- Moscow Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry, Donskaya st., 43, Moscow 115419, Russian Federation
| | - O Tikhonova
- Moscow Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry, Donskaya st., 43, Moscow 115419, Russian Federation
| | - A Yakovlev
- Moscow Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry, Donskaya st., 43, Moscow 115419, Russian Federation; Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - F Rider
- Moscow Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry, Donskaya st., 43, Moscow 115419, Russian Federation
| | - A Guekht
- Moscow Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry, Donskaya st., 43, Moscow 115419, Russian Federation; Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Fox J, Mishra M. Hypertension and other vascular risk factors in patients with functional seizures. Epilepsy Behav 2024; 152:109650. [PMID: 38277850 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2024.109650] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Recent literature has suggested that functional seizures are associated with an elevated risk for vascular disease and mortality. We investigated the prevalence of risk factors for vascular disease in patients who were admitted to the epilepsy monitoring unit. METHODS Patients who were admitted to the epilepsy monitoring unit and received a definitive diagnosis of either functional seizures or epilepsy were identified. Data collected included demographic, clinical characteristics, medication list, comorbidities, and scheduled blood pressure measurements that occurred every 12 h during the admission. The mean blood pressures were calculated and if they were above the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association guideline cutoff of 130/80 mm Hg or the patient had a documented history of hypertension the patient was counted as having the condition. A multiple logistic regression model was developed to evaluate the independent association of the patient's diagnosis (i.e., epilepsy or functional seizures) and vascular risk factors that controlled for the number of blood pressure measurements, age, sex, and if the patient was taking antihypertensive medications. RESULTS 270 patients were included in this study of which 147 patients had epilepsy and 123 had functional seizures. Among those with functional seizures, 57.72 % had either a history of hypertension or a mean blood pressure above 130/80 compared to 38.78 % of those with epilepsy (p = 0.0022). In addition, 30.89 % of functional seizures patients had hyperlipidemia and 63.41 % were obese. The logistic regression model indicated that functional seizures were independently associated with high blood pressure (OR: 2.47, 95 % CI 1.10-5.69), hyperlipidemia (OR: 3.38, 95 % CI 1.35-8.86), and obesity (OR: 4.25, 95 % CI 2.22-8.36) compared to those with epilepsy. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of diabetes (OR: 0.81, 95 % CI 0.24-2.77) or current tobacco use (OR: 1.04, 95 % CI 0.48-2.25) between the groups. SIGNIFICANCE Patients with functional seizures had an elevated prevalence of several vascular risk factors. These findings may partially account for complications associated with functional seizures and have implications related to their pathophysiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonah Fox
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States.
| | - Murli Mishra
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Asadi-Pooya AA, Farazdaghi M, Asadi-Pooya H, Fazelian K. Depression, anxiety, stress, and suicide risk in patients with functional seizures vs. those with epilepsy. Acta Neurol Belg 2024; 124:169-173. [PMID: 37642895 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-023-02365-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to investigate the rates of positive screening for depression, anxiety, stress, and suicide risk in adults with seizures [i.e., well-matched groups of patients with focal epilepsy vs. idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) vs. functional seizures (FS)]. METHODS This was a cross sectional study. Patients, 19-55 years of age, with a diagnosis of IGE, focal epilepsy or FS were investigated at the outpatient epilepsy clinic at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran, from September 2022 until January 2023 and during their follow-up visits. We used the validated Farsi version of DASS-21 (Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale) to investigate and screen for depression, anxiety, and stress in these patients. We also used the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSSI). RESULTS Forty patients with focal epilepsy, 40 persons with IGE, and 40 individuals with FS were included. Depression and anxiety were more prevalent among patients with FS compared with those with epilepsy. The rate of stress among patients with FS was not significantly different compared with that in patients with epilepsy. The suicide risks were not significantly different between the groups either. CONCLUSION Patients with FS are at high risk for psychiatric comorbidities that is comparable or even worse than that in patients with epilepsy. Specific validated scales to screen for psychiatric comorbidities and suicide risk should be integral components of the evaluation and treatment of all patients with seizures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali A Asadi-Pooya
- Epilepsy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
- Department of Neurology, Jefferson Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Mohsen Farazdaghi
- Epilepsy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hanieh Asadi-Pooya
- Epilepsy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Khatereh Fazelian
- Epilepsy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gearhart MG, Brewerton TD. Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures Associated with an Eating Disorder and PTSD Are Responsive to Cognitive Processing Therapy. Case Rep Psychiatry 2023; 2023:5539951. [PMID: 38033475 PMCID: PMC10684327 DOI: 10.1155/2023/5539951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Eating disorders (EDs) are often associated with prior histories of trauma, subsequent PTSD and related psychiatric comorbidities. There is a paucity of information about their relationship to somatic symptom disorders, specifically psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES), a type of functional neurological symptom disorder or conversion disorder. Methods We report a case of a 39-year-old bisexual female with bulimia nervosa (BN), PTSD, recurrent major depressive disorder (MDD), cannabis use disorder, and PNES who responded to integrated trauma-focused treatment during residential ED treatment using cognitive processing therapy (CPT). Symptoms of ED, PTSD, major depression, and state-trait anxiety were measured using validated assessment instruments. Results During the course of CPT treatment, the patient's total scores on the PTSD Symptom Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) went from 59 to 26, which is below the diagnostic threshold for PTSD. In addition, she demonstrated improvements in the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) Global Severity score, the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI-2) total score, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) total score, the Spielberger State and Trait Anxiety Inventory scores, and the Eating Disorder Quality of Life (EDQOL) total score. Furthermore, her PNES also abated, and she remained seizure free for ∼1 year following discharge with the exception of one short seizure, per report of the patient. Conclusion The use of CPT as part of an integrated trauma-informed treatment approach during residential ED treatment was successful in a woman with PNES, BN, PTSD, MDD, and cannabis use disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Timothy D. Brewerton
- Monte Nido and Affiliates, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Keskin AO, Altintas E, Yerdelen VD, Demir B, Colak MY. Effects of attachment styles, childhood traumas, and alexithymia in Turkish patients with epilepsy and functional seizures. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 148:109458. [PMID: 37844436 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109458] [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: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In this cross-sectional study, we used self-report scales to compare childhood traumas, attachment styles, and alexithymia among patients with functional seizures (FS) to patients with epilepsy and healthy controls. We also investigated risk factors associated with FS. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 44 patients with epilepsy, 14 patients with FS, and 25 healthy controls were included. All participants were over the age of 18 and were referred to the Baskent University Adana Epilepsy and Video-EEG Center. The patients underwent neurological examinations, brain MRIs, and video-EEG evaluations. Epileptic seizures were classified based on video EEG. The control group consisted of healthy individuals without neurological or psychiatric illness and a history of epileptic seizures or syncope. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), Adult Attachment Scale (AAS), and Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (TAS-20) were applied to all participants. RESULTS Patients with FS had lower educational levels, higher rates of unemployment and single-marital status. The FS group had higher depression, childhood trauma, and alexithymia scores than the other groups. Furthermore, FS patients had a higher prevalence of avoidant attachment. The alexithymia and childhood trauma scores were both correlated with depression. Through the logistic regression analysis, childhood trauma scores and alexithymia were significant risk factors for FS. CONCLUSION The use of video-EEG for diagnosing FS can reduce the risk of misdiagnosis and inappropriate antiepileptic treatment. Psychiatric comorbidities, childhood traumas, and alexithymia are prevalent in patients with FS. Therefore, implementing a multidisciplinary treatment approach that addresses the psychological, medical, and social aspects of FS can significantly improve outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Onur Keskin
- Baskent University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Turkey.
| | - Ebru Altintas
- Baskent University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Turkey.
| | | | | | - Meric Yavuz Colak
- Baskent University, Faculty of Medicine, Depatment of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
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
|
13
|
Sobregrau P, Baillès E, Carreño M, Donaire A, Boget T, Setoain X, Bargalló N, Rumià J, V Sánchez Vives M, Pintor L. Psychiatric and psychological assessment of patients with drug-resistant epilepsy and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) with no response to previous treatments. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 145:109329. [PMID: 37453292 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109329] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) are common imitators of epileptic seizures. Refractoriness to antiseizure medication hinders the differential diagnosis between ES and PNES, carrying deleterious consequences in patients with PNES. Psychiatric and psychological characteristics may assist in the differential diagnosis between drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) and PNES. Nevertheless, current comprehensive psychiatric and psychological descriptive studies on both patient groups are scarce and with several study limitations. This study provides a comprehensive psychiatric and psychological characterization of Spanish patients with DRE and PNES. METHOD A cross-sectional and comparative study was completed with 104 patients with DRE and 21 with PNES. Psychiatric and psychological characteristics were assessed with the HADS, SCL-90-R, NEO-FFI-R, PDQ-4+, COPE, and QOLIE-31 tests. Parametric and non-parametric tests were used, and regression models were fit to further explore factors affecting patients' life quality. RESULTS Patients with PNES had greater levels of somatization and extraversion and were associated with benzodiazepine intake. Patients with DRE showed greater narcissistic personality disorder symptoms than those with PNES. In patients with DRE, difficulty in performing basic needs-related tasks and greater psychological distress severity and seizure frequency were associated with poorer life quality. In contrast, being a woman, having a psychiatric disorder history, and greater psychiatric symptoms' intensity were associated with poorer life quality in patients with PNES. CONCLUSION Patients with DRE and PNES share similar psychiatric and psychological characteristics, with only very few being significantly different.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pau Sobregrau
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Barcelona (UB), Barcelona 08007, Spain; Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Clinic of Barcelona (HCP), Barcelona 08036, Spain.
| | - Eva Baillès
- Health Psychology Unit, Psychiatry Department, Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona 08035, Spain
| | - Mar Carreño
- Clinical Institute of Neurosciences, University Hospital Clinic of Barcelona (HCP), Barcelona 08036, Spain; Epilepsy Unit, Neurology 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
| | - Antonio Donaire
- Clinical Institute of Neurosciences, University Hospital Clinic of Barcelona (HCP), Barcelona 08036, Spain; Epilepsy Unit, Neurology 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
| | - Teresa Boget
- Clinical Institute of Neurosciences, University Hospital Clinic of Barcelona (HCP), Barcelona 08036, Spain; Epilepsy Unit, Neurology Department, University Hospital Clinic of Barcelona (HCP), Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Xavier Setoain
- Clinical Institute of Neurosciences, University Hospital Clinic of Barcelona (HCP), Barcelona 08036, Spain; Epilepsy Unit, Neurology 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
| | - Núria Bargalló
- Clinical Institute of Neurosciences, University Hospital Clinic of Barcelona (HCP), Barcelona 08036, Spain; Epilepsy Unit, Neurology 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
| | - Jordi Rumià
- Clinical Institute of Neurosciences, University Hospital Clinic of Barcelona (HCP), Barcelona 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; Department of Cognition, Development and Educational Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Barcelona (UB), Barcelona 08007, Spain
| | - Luís Pintor
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Clinic of Barcelona (HCP), Barcelona 08036, Spain; Clinical Institute of Neurosciences, University Hospital Clinic of Barcelona (HCP), Barcelona 08036, Spain; Epilepsy Unit, Neurology 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
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Sone D. White Matter Structural Connectivity and Its Impact on Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures: An Evidence-Based Review. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2023; 19:1573-1579. [PMID: 37457838 PMCID: PMC10349606 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s402378] [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: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychiatric non-epileptic seizure (PNES), also known as a form of functional neurological disorders (FND), is a common but still underrecognized disorder presenting seizure-like symptoms and no electrophysiological abnormality. Despite the significant burden of this disorder, the neurobiological mechanisms are not clearly understood, which hinders the development of better diagnosis and treatment. In the recent neuroimaging research on PNES, brain network analysis has become a relevant topic beyond conventional methodologies. The human brain is a highly intricate system of interconnected regions that collaborate to facilitate a wide range of cognitive and behavioral functions. White matter tracts, which are comprised of bundles of axonal fibers, are the primary means by which information is transmitted between different brain regions. As such, comprehending the organization and structure of the brain's white matter network is critical for gaining insight into its functional architecture. This review article aims to provide an overview of the brain mechanisms underlying PNES, with a special focus on analyzing brain networks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daichi Sone
- Department of Psychiatry, Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Carle-Toulemonde G, Goutte J, Do-Quang-Cantagrel N, Mouchabac S, Joly C, Garcin B. Overall comorbidities in functional neurological disorder: A narrative review. L'ENCEPHALE 2023:S0013-7006(23)00086-6. [PMID: 37414721 DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2023.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The importance to assess and include the frequent comorbidities in the personalised care management plan of patients with functional neurological disorders (FND) has arisen through the years. FND patients are not only complaining from motor and/or sensory symptoms. They also report some non-specific symptoms that participate to the burden of FND. In this narrative review, we aim to better describe these comorbidities in terms of prevalence, clinical characteristics and their variability depending on the subtype of FND. METHODS The literature was searched for on Medline and PubMed. The search was narrowed to articles between 2000 and 2022. RESULTS Fatigue is the most common symptom reported in relation to FND (from 47 to 93%), followed by cognitive symptoms (from 80 to 85%). Psychiatric disorders are reported in 40 to 100% FND patients, depending on the FND subtype (functional motor disorder [FMD], functional dissociative seizures [FDS]…) but also on the type of psychiatric disorder (anxiety disorders being the most frequent, followed by mood disorders and neurodevelopmental disorders). Stress factors such as childhood trauma exposure (emotional neglect and physical abuse predominantly) have also been identified in up to 75% of FND patients, along with maladaptive coping strategies. Organic disorders are commonly reported in FND, such as neurological disorders (including epilepsy in FDS [20%] and FMD in Parkinson's Disease [7%]). Somatic symptom disorders including chronic pain syndromes are frequently associated to FND (about 50%). To be noted, recent data also suggest a high comorbidity between FND and hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (about 55%). CONCLUSION Put together, this narrative review highlights the high burden of FND patients, not only due to somatosensory alterations but also by considering the frequent comorbidities reported. Thus, such comorbidities must be taken into consideration when defining the FND personalised care management strategy for the patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Julie Goutte
- Internal Medicine Department, Saint-Etienne University Hospital, Saint-Priest-en-Jarez, France
| | | | - Stéphane Mouchabac
- Sorbonne University, Department of Psychiatry, AP-HP, Saint-Antoine University Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Charlotte Joly
- Neurology Department, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, AP-HP Avicenne University Hospital, Bobigny, France
| | - Béatrice Garcin
- Neurology Department, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, AP-HP Avicenne University Hospital, Bobigny, France
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Whitfield A, Wardrope A, Ardern K, Garlovsky J, Oto M, Reuber M. Subjective seizure symptom reporting in functional/dissociative seizures and epilepsy: Effects of sampling technique and patient characteristics. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 145:109331. [PMID: 37406557 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109331] [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: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Differences in subjectively reportable ictal experiences between epilepsy and functional/dissociative seizures (FDS) have received less attention than visible manifestations. Patients with FDS (pwFDS) tend to report seizure symptoms differently than patients with epilepsy (pwE). The effects of symptom elicitation method and mediation by psychopathological traits have not been examined and may aid in differentiating the disorders. METHOD Analysis of responses of 24 pwE and 28 pwFDS in interviews exploring ictal experiences through open questioning followed by structured closed questioning using possible symptom prompts (74-item modified Psychosensory-Psychomotor Phenomena Interview, PPPI); self-report of psychological profile (HADS-A, HADS-D, PHQ-15, DES-T, THQ, PCL-C). RESULTS Symptom prompting with PPPI elicited three times more seizure symptoms than open questions in pwE (median 34 vs. 11.5, p = 0.005) and over four times more in pwFDS (42.5 vs. 11, p = 0.001). Intra-ictal symptoms were reported freely more frequently by pwE (median 6.5 vs. 4, p = 0.005), while pwFDS reported more pre-ictal symptoms after prompts (median 6 vs 14.5, p = 0.004). The difference between freely reported and PPPI-elicited symptoms correlated with different psychopathological traits in pwE and pwFDS. Symptoms of anxiety (HADS-A) correlated more strongly with prompted symptoms among pwE than pwFDS (z = 2.731, p = 0.006). CONCLUSION Prompting generates more detailed ictal symptom profiles than simply encouraging patients to narrate their subjective seizure experiences. While pwFDS freely reported fewer symptoms related to the intra-ictal period compared to pwE, pwFDS reported more pre-ictal symptoms than pwE when prompted. Differences in the psychopathological traits associated with the number of peri-ictal symptoms captured by symptom prompting in pwE and pwFDS possibly reflect etiological or psychological differences between these patient groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Whitfield
- Greater Glasgow and Clyde NHS Foundation Trust, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, 1345 Govan Rd, Glasgow G51 4TF, United Kingdom.
| | - Alistair Wardrope
- Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2JF, United Kingdom
| | - Kerry Ardern
- Academic Neurology Unit, University of Sheffield, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2JF, United Kingdom
| | - Jack Garlovsky
- Academic Neurology Unit, University of Sheffield, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2JF, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Oto
- Greater Glasgow and Clyde NHS Foundation Trust, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, 1345 Govan Rd, Glasgow G51 4TF, United Kingdom; The William Quarrier Scottish Epilepsy Centre, 20 St Kenneth Dr, Govan, Glasgow G51 4QD, United Kingdom
| | - Markus Reuber
- Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2JF, United Kingdom; Academic Neurology Unit, University of Sheffield, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2JF, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Roze E, Hingray C, Degos B, Drapier S, Tyvaert L, Garcin B, Carle-Toulemonde G. [Functional neurological disorders: A clinical anthology]. L'ENCEPHALE 2023:S0013-7006(23)00084-2. [PMID: 37400338 DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2023.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Functional neurological disorders have a broad phenotypic spectrum and include different clinical syndromes, which are sometimes associated to each other or appear consecutively over the course of the disease. This clinical anthology provides details on the specific and sensitive positive signs that are to be sought in the context of a suspected functional neurological disorder. Beside these positive elements leading to the diagnosis of functional neurological disorder, we should keep in mind the possibility of an associated organic disorder as the combination of both organic and functional disorders is a relatively frequent situation in clinical practice. Here we describe the clinical characteristics of different functional neurological syndromes: motor deficits, abnormal hyperkinetic and hypokinetic movements, voice or speech disorders, sensory disorders, and functional dissociative seizures. The clinical examination and the identification of positive signs play a critical role in the diagnosis of functional neurological disorder. Knowledge of the specific signs associated with each phenotype render possible to make an early diagnosis. For that matter, it contributes to the improvement of patient care management. It allows to a better engagement in an appropriate care pathway, which influence their prognosis. Highlighting and discussing positive signs with patients can also be an interesting step in the process of explaining the disease and its management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Roze
- Hôpital Salpêtrière, DMU neurosciences, Assistance publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France; Inserm, CNRS, Institut du Cerveau, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | | | - Bertrand Degos
- Hôpital Avicenne, hôpitaux universitaires de Paris-Seine Saint Denis (HUPSSD), Assistance publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne Paris Nord, réseau NS-PARK/FCRIN, Bobigny, France; Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire en biologie (CIRB), Collège de France, CNRS UMR7241/Inserm U1050, Université PSL, Paris, France
| | - Sophie Drapier
- Département de neurologie, CHU de Rennes, CIC Inserm 1414, Rennes, France
| | - Louise Tyvaert
- Centre de psychothérapie du CHRU de Nancy, Nancy, France
| | - Béatrice Garcin
- Inserm, CNRS, Institut du Cerveau, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France; Hôpital Avicenne, hôpitaux universitaires de Paris-Seine Saint Denis (HUPSSD), Assistance publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne Paris Nord, réseau NS-PARK/FCRIN, Bobigny, France
| | - Guilhem Carle-Toulemonde
- Cabinet de psychosomatique et stimulation magnétique transcrânienne, clinique Saint-Exupery, 29, rue Émile-Lecrivain, 31400 Toulouse, France.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Cassady M, Baslet G. Dissociation in patients with epilepsy and functional seizures: A narrative review of the literature. Seizure 2023; 110:220-230. [PMID: 37433243 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2023.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Dissociation is a "disruption of the usually integrated functions of consciousness, memory, identity or perception of the environment" according to DSM-5. It is commonly seen in psychiatric disorders including primary dissociative disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and panic disorder. Dissociative phenomena are also described in the context of substance intoxication, sleep deprivation and medical illnesses including traumatic brain injury, migraines, and epilepsy. Patients with epilepsy have higher rates of dissociative experiences as measured on the Dissociative Experiences Scale compared to healthy controls. Ictal symptoms, especially in focal epilepsy of temporal lobe origin, may include dissociative-like experiences such as déjà vu/jamais vu, depersonalization, derealization and what has been described as a "dreamy state". These descriptions are common in the setting of seizures that originate from mesial temporal lobe epilepsy and may involve the amygdala and hippocampus. Other ictal dissociative phenomena include autoscopy and out of body experiences, which are thought to be due to disruptions in networks responsible for the integration of one's own body and extra-personal space and involve the temporoparietal junction and posterior insula. In this narrative review, we will summarize the updated literature on dissociative experiences in epilepsy, as well as dissociative experiences in functional seizures. Using a case example, we will review the differential diagnosis of dissociative symptoms. We will also review neurobiological underpinnings of dissociative symptoms across different diagnostic entities and discuss how ictal symptoms may shed light on the neurobiology of complex mental processes including the subjective nature of consciousness and self-identity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maureen Cassady
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Gaston Baslet
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Higson L, Hipgrave W, O'Brien TJ, Rayner G, Alpitsis R, Kanaan RA, Winton-Brown T. Improving the treatment of functional seizures through a public specialist outpatient clinic. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 144:109259. [PMID: 37271019 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109259] [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: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We performed an audit of the first 12 months of clinical operations to assess the feasibility of a newly established public outpatient clinic for the assessment and treatment of functional (psychogenic nonepileptic) seizures (FS). METHOD Clinical notes for the first 12 months of the FSclinic weresystematicallyreviewed with data compiled onreferral pathways, clinic attendance, clinical features, treatments, and outcomes. RESULTS Of eighty-two new FS patients referred to the clinic, over 90% attended. Patients were diagnosed with FS after comprehensive epileptological and neuropsychiatric review, mostly with typical seizure-like episodes captured during video-EEG monitoring, and most accepted the diagnosis. Most had FS at least weekly, with little sense of control and significant impairment. The majority of individuals had significant psychiatric and medical comorbidity. Predisposing, precipitating, and perpetuating factors were readily identified in >90% of cases. Of 52 patients with follow-up data within12 months, 88% were either stable or improved in terms of the control of their FS. CONCLUSION The Alfred functional seizure clinic model, the first dedicated public outpatient clinic for FS in Australia, provides a feasible and potentially effective treatment pathway for this underserved and disabled patient group.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lana Higson
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Walter Hipgrave
- Department of Psychiatry, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, Perth Children's Hospital
| | - Terence J O'Brien
- Department of Neurology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Genevieve Rayner
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rubina Alpitsis
- Department of Neurology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Richard A Kanaan
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Dept of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC 3084
| | - Toby Winton-Brown
- Department of Psychiatry, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Malekpour M, Jafari A, Kashkooli M, Salarikia SR, Negahdaripour M. A systems biology approach for discovering the cellular and molecular aspects of psychogenic non-epileptic seizure. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1116892. [PMID: 37252132 PMCID: PMC10213457 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1116892] [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: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Psychogenic non-epileptic seizure (PNES) is the most common non-epileptic disorder in patients referring to epilepsy centers. Contrary to common beliefs about the disease's harmlessness, the death rate of PNES patients is similar to drug-resistant epilepsy. Meanwhile, the molecular pathomechanism of PNES is unknown with very limited related research. Thus, the aim of this in silico study was to find different proteins and hormones associated with PNES via a systems biology approach. Methods Different bioinformatics databases and literature review were used to find proteins associated with PNES. The protein-hormone interaction network of PNES was constructed to discover its most influential compartments. The pathways associated with PNES pathomechanism were found by enrichment analysis of the identified proteins. Besides, the relationship between PNES-related molecules and psychiatric diseases was discovered, and the brain regions that could express altered levels of blood proteins were discovered. Results Eight genes and three hormones were found associated with PNES through the review process. Proopiomelanocortin (POMC), neuropeptide Y (NPY), cortisol, norepinephrine, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were identified to have a high impact on the disease pathogenesis network. Moreover, activation of Janus kinase-signaling transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) and JAK, as well as signaling of growth hormone receptor, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase /protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT), and neurotrophin were found associated with PNES molecular mechanism. Several psychiatric diseases such as depression, schizophrenia, and alcohol-related disorders were shown to be associated with PNES predominantly through signaling molecules. Significance This study was the first to gather the biochemicals associated with PNES. Multiple components and pathways and several psychiatric diseases associated with PNES, and some brain regions that could be altered during PNES were suggested, which should be confirmed in further studies. Altogether, these findings could be used in future molecular research on PNES patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Malekpour
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Aida Jafari
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Kashkooli
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Manica Negahdaripour
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Science, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Milano BA, Moutoussis M, Convertino L. The neurobiology of functional neurological disorders characterised by impaired awareness. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1122865. [PMID: 37009094 PMCID: PMC10060839 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1122865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
We review the neurobiology of Functional Neurological Disorders (FND), i.e., neurological disorders not explained by currently identifiable histopathological processes, in order to focus on those characterised by impaired awareness (functionally impaired awareness disorders, FIAD), and especially, on the paradigmatic case of Resignation Syndrome (RS). We thus provide an improved more integrated theory of FIAD, able to guide both research priorities and the diagnostic formulation of FIAD. We systematically address the diverse spectrum of clinical presentations of FND with impaired awareness, and offer a new framework for understanding FIAD. We find that unraveling the historical development of neurobiological theory of FIAD is of paramount importance for its current understanding. Then, we integrate contemporary clinical material in order to contextualise the neurobiology of FIAD within social, cultural, and psychological perspectives. We thus review neuro-computational insights in FND in general, to arrive at a more coherent account of FIAD. FIAD may be based on maladaptive predictive coding, shaped by stress, attention, uncertainty, and, ultimately, neurally encoded beliefs and their updates. We also critically appraise arguments in support of and against such Bayesian models. Finally, we discuss implications of our theoretical account and provide pointers towards an improved clinical diagnostic formulation of FIAD. We suggest directions for future research towards a more unified theory on which future interventions and management strategies could be based, as effective treatments and clinical trial evidence remain limited.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Annunziata Milano
- Institute of Life Sciences, Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa, Italy
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Michael Moutoussis
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- National Hospital of Neurology and Neurosurgery (UCLH), London, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Convertino
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- National Hospital of Neurology and Neurosurgery (UCLH), London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Laura Convertino,
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Leroy A, Tarrada A, Garcin B, Hingray C. Crisi psicogene non epilettiche (funzionali/dissociative). Neurologia 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/s1634-7072(22)47362-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
|
23
|
Kustov GV, Rider FK, Zinchuk MS, Semenovykh NS, Akzhigitov RG, Guekht AB. [Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures in autistic spectrum disorder]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2023; 123:112-117. [PMID: 37490675 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro2023123071112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) are paroxysmal conditions that resemble epileptic seizures, but are not accompanied by epileptiform activity on the electroencephalogram and are not associated with other neurological or somatic disorders. Unrecognized PNES places a heavy burden on the patient and family, and on the health care system. Among many possible combinations of PNES with psychiatric disorders, autistic spectrum disorders are the least studied. This article presents a case of a 19-year-old female patient with autistic spectrum disorder and paroxysmal events and the presence of potentially epileptogenic changes in the brain. A multidisciplinary approach made it possible to diagnose PNEP in the patient.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G V Kustov
- Moscow Research and Clinical Centre for Neuropsychiatry, Moscow, Russia
| | - F K Rider
- Moscow Research and Clinical Centre for Neuropsychiatry, Moscow, Russia
| | - M S Zinchuk
- Moscow Research and Clinical Centre for Neuropsychiatry, Moscow, Russia
| | - N S Semenovykh
- Moscow Research and Clinical Centre for Neuropsychiatry, Moscow, Russia
| | - R G Akzhigitov
- Moscow Research and Clinical Centre for Neuropsychiatry, Moscow, Russia
| | - A B Guekht
- Moscow Research and Clinical Centre for Neuropsychiatry, Moscow, Russia
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Peköz MT, Aslan-Kara K, Demir T, Aktan G, Balal M, Cakmak S, Bozdemir H. Frequency and economic burden of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures in patients applying for disability benefits due to epilepsy. ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2022; 80:1112-1118. [PMID: 36577410 PMCID: PMC9797265 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1759759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) resemble epileptic seizures and are often misdiagnosed as epilepsy. OBJECTIVE To investigate the frequency of PNES and to calculate the economic burden of the patients who admitted to video-electroencephalographicmonitoring (VEM) to obtain a diagnosis of epilepsy in order to apply for disability retirement. METHODS The present retrospective study included 134 patients who required disability reports between 2013 and 2019 and had their definite diagnoses after VEM. Following VEM, the patients were divided into three groups: epilepsy, PNES, and epilepsy + PNES. RESULTS In total, 22.4% (n = 30) of the patients were diagnosed with PNES, 21.6% (n = 29) with PNES and epilepsy, and 56% (n = 75), with epilepsy. The frequency of PNES among all patients was of 44% (n = 59). In patients with PNES alone, the annual cost of using anti-seizure medication was of 160.67 ± 94.04 dollars; for psychostimulant drugs, it was of 148.3 ± 72.48 dollars a year; and the mean direct cost for diagnostic procedures was of 582.9 ± 330.0 (range: 103.52-1601.3) dollars. CONCLUSIONS Although it is challenging to determine the qualitative and quantitative total cost in these patient groups, early diagnosis and sociopsychological support will reduce the additional financial burden on the health system and increase the quality of life of the patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Taylan Peköz
- Çukurova University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Unit, Adana, Türkiye.,Address for correspondence Mehmet Taylan Peköz
| | - Kezban Aslan-Kara
- Çukurova University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Unit, Adana, Türkiye.
| | - Turgay Demir
- Çukurova University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Unit, Adana, Türkiye.
| | - Gulfem Aktan
- Çukurova University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Adana, Türkiye.
| | - Mehmet Balal
- Çukurova University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Unit, Adana, Türkiye.
| | - Soner Cakmak
- Çukurova University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Adana, Türkiye.
| | - Hacer Bozdemir
- Çukurova University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Unit, Adana, Türkiye.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Kastell SU, Hohmann L, Holtkamp M, Berger J. Psycho-socio-clinical profiles and quality of life in seizure disorders: A cross-sectional registry study. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 136:108916. [PMID: 36179607 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This prospective study aimed at comparing quality of life (QoL) and psycho-socio-clinical profiles between patients with epilepsy, psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES), and syncope. We also intended to identify predictors of QoL in these three seizure disorders. METHODS A total of 245 inpatients (epilepsy n = 182, PNES n = 50, syncope n = 13) from a tertiary epilepsy clinic were included. Information on QoL as well as on psychological, sociodemographic, and clinical profiles was retrieved using questionnaires and medical records. Group comparisons on QoL and psycho-socio-clinical profiles were performed via analyses of variance, chi-square tests, and related post hoc tests. Predictors of QoL in epilepsy and PNES were determined using general linear modeling, which was not possible for syncope due to a small sample size. RESULTS Patients with epilepsy, PNES, and syncope reported levels of QoL impairment that did not differ significantly between groups (p = 0.266). However, there were significant group differences regarding sex distribution (p < 0.001), seizure disorder duration (p = 0.004), seizure frequency (p = 0.019), current treatment with antiseizure medications (ASM) (p < 0.001), number of current ASM (p < 0.001), and adverse ASM events (p = 0.019). More depressive symptoms (p = 0.001), more adverse ASM events (p = 0.036), and unemployment (p = 0.046) (in this order) independently predicted a diminished QoL in epilepsy. For PNES, more depressive symptoms were the only independent predictor of lower QoL (p = 0.029). CONCLUSIONS Patients with epilepsy, PNES, and syncope experience similarly diminished QoL and show a general psycho-socio-clinical burden with a specific pattern for each seizure disorder diagnosis. Although clinical aspects play an undisputed role for QoL in epilepsy, the psychosocial aspects and consequences are equally, or for PNES probably even more, meaningful. A comprehensive approach to research and treatment of seizure disorders seems mandatory to increase QoL for these patients. More research on QoL in syncope is needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shirley-Uloma Kastell
- Epilepsy-Center Berlin-Brandenburg, Institute for Diagnostics of Epilepsy, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Königin Elisabeth Herzberge, Herzbergstraße 79, 10365 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Louisa Hohmann
- Epilepsy-Center Berlin-Brandenburg, Institute for Diagnostics of Epilepsy, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Königin Elisabeth Herzberge, Herzbergstraße 79, 10365 Berlin, Germany; Epilepsy-Center Berlin-Brandenburg, Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Martin Holtkamp
- Epilepsy-Center Berlin-Brandenburg, Institute for Diagnostics of Epilepsy, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Königin Elisabeth Herzberge, Herzbergstraße 79, 10365 Berlin, Germany; Epilepsy-Center Berlin-Brandenburg, Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Justus Berger
- Epilepsy-Center Berlin-Brandenburg, Institute for Diagnostics of Epilepsy, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Königin Elisabeth Herzberge, Herzbergstraße 79, 10365 Berlin, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Gargiulo ÁJ, Sarudiansky M, Videla A, Lombardi N, Korman GP, Oddo S, D Alessio L. Perceived stress, resilience, and stress coping in patients with drug resistant epilepsy and functional dissociative seizures. Seizure 2022; 101:141-148. [PMID: 36027685 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2022.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Depression and anxiety are psychiatric disorders related to chronic stress, commonly found in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) and functional dissociative seizures (FDS). The present study compares the levels of perceived stress, resilience, and the styles of stress coping among patients with DRE (n=60), FDS (n=28), and controls (n=31). METHODS We performed a cross-sectional study. All patients underwent Video Electroencephalography to confirm the diagnosis and completed the psychiatric assessment (SCID I and II of DSM IV) supported by several instruments validated in Spanish. RESULTS FDS scored higher in perceived stress (p = 0.004) with lower levels of resilience compared to controls (p = 0.01). Stress coping subscales show higher scores in negative self-focus and hostility in patients with FDS compared to controls (p=0.003). Similarly, DRE patients scored higher in perceived stress (p = 0.001), and presented lower levels of resilience (p = 0.004) with higher levels of hostility compared to controls (p=0.02). However, no significant differences were found between FDS and DRE on stress coping variables. Anxiety scores and depression rates were higher in the FDS group compared to DRE (p=0.008) and higher in DRE compared to controls (p<0.05). A positive correlation between depression and perceived stress was found (r = 0.6, p=0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Our results delineate a more detailed picture of the psychological profile of this population, emphasizing the importance of stress factors in patients with FDS and DRE. Combined intervention strategies which enhance stress coping may be appropriate to direct treatment and psychotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ángel Jm Gargiulo
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Medicina, IBCN (Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencias)-CONICET, Argentina; Centro de Epilepsia del Hospital El Cruce, Estudios en Neurociencias y Sistemas Complejos (ENyS), Argentina; Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Medicina, Centro de Epilepsia del Hospital Ramos Mejía.
| | - Mercedes Sarudiansky
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Psicología- CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alejandro Videla
- Jefe de departamento de neumonología del Hospital Universitario Austral (HUA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nicolás Lombardi
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Medicina, Centro de Epilepsia del Hospital Ramos Mejía
| | - Guido P Korman
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Psicología- CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Medicina, Centro de Epilepsia del Hospital Ramos Mejía
| | - Silvia Oddo
- Centro de Epilepsia del Hospital El Cruce, Estudios en Neurociencias y Sistemas Complejos (ENyS), Argentina; Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Medicina, Centro de Epilepsia del Hospital Ramos Mejía
| | - Luciana D Alessio
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Medicina, IBCN (Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencias)-CONICET, Argentina; Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Medicina, Centro de Epilepsia del Hospital Ramos Mejía
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Grignoli N, La Spina A, Gabutti L. Phantosmia and psychogenic non-epileptic seizures in a patient with burning mouth syndrome suffering from severe depression. BMJ Case Rep 2022; 15:e249843. [PMID: 35672056 PMCID: PMC9174807 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2022-249843] [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] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a rare but serious medical condition with important psychiatric comorbidity and specific psychological correlates. Psychopathology related with BMS represents a real challenge for clinical decision-making. In this case, depression is the leading psychiatric diagnosis associated with patient's BMS somatic pain and is driven by anxiety and a dissociative functioning. Facing a complex psychosomatic symptomatology, we offer new clinical perspectives for the screening of psychological traits of BMS. Moreover, we highlight the need to foster interdisciplinarity to improve differential diagnosis and defining an optimal care path. This case report stimulates a reflection on management challenges for the consultation-liaison psychiatry and shows the importance of a person-centred approach when communicating the diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Grignoli
- Servizio Psico-Sociale, Organizzazione Sociopsichiatrica Cantonale, Repubblica e Cantone Ticino, Mendrisio, Ticino, Switzerland
- Department of Internal Medicine, Regional Hospital of Bellinzona and Valleys, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, Ticino, Switzerland
| | - Alberto La Spina
- Servizio Psico-Sociale, Organizzazione Sociopsichiatrica Cantonale, Repubblica e Cantone Ticino, Mendrisio, Ticino, Switzerland
- Department of Internal Medicine, Regional Hospital of Bellinzona and Valleys, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, Ticino, Switzerland
| | - Luca Gabutti
- Department of Internal Medicine, Regional Hospital of Bellinzona and Valleys, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, Ticino, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Exploring the influence of telehealth on patient engagement with a multidisciplinary Non-Epileptic Seizure (NES) Clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 131:108707. [PMID: 35504190 PMCID: PMC9021128 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The ILAE task force has identified a gap in treatment access for patients with nonepileptic seizures (NES) [1]. Access to multidisciplinary treatment clinics for adults with NES is limited with only 18 institutions delivering care across the United States [2]. Patient engagement has been low in the University of Colorado, NES Clinic treatment program despite our clinic's status as the only clinic of its kind in the mountain west. We analyzed patient factors of those who engaged in treatment before and after COVID-19 regulations were imposed and found a 23.6% increase in treatment engagement using telehealth. Those who engaged using telehealth were more likely to be of white race, of non-Hispanic ethnicity, publicly insured, employed, have a Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) of zero, a daily seizure rate of 0-1, did not have suicidal ideation or attempts, and live greater than 25 miles from the NES clinic. Delivering NES treatment via telehealth reduced the logistical and psychological barriers to initiating recovery and with a severe lack of accessible treatments for patients with NES, barrier reduction is necessary. This study describes patient factors that result in higher engagement with NES treatment using telehealth and emphasizes the importance of telehealth utilization to improve access to available treatment.
Collapse
|
29
|
Hingray C, Ertan D, Reuber M, Lother A, Chrusciel J, Tarrada A, Michel N, Meyer M, Klemina I, Maillard L, Sanchez S, El‐Hage W. Heterogeneity of patients with functional/dissociative seizures: Three multidimensional profiles. Epilepsia 2022; 63:1500-1515. [PMID: 35305025 PMCID: PMC9790427 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Current concepts highlight the neurological and psychological heterogeneity of functional/dissociative seizures (FDS). However, it remains uncertain whether it is possible to distinguish between a limited number of subtypes of FDS disorders. We aimed to identify profiles of distinct FDS subtypes by cluster analysis of a multidimensional dataset without any a priori hypothesis. METHODS We conducted an exploratory, prospective multicenter study of 169 patients with FDS. We collected biographical, trauma (childhood and adulthood traumatic experiences), semiological (seizure characteristics), and psychopathological data (psychiatric comorbidities, dissociation, and alexithymia) through psychiatric interviews and standardized scales. Clusters were identified by the Partitioning Around Medoids method. The similarity of patients was computed using Gower distance. The clusters were compared using analysis of variance, chi-squared, or Fisher exact tests. RESULTS Three patient clusters were identified in this exploratory, hypothesis-generating study and named on the basis of their most prominent characteristics: A "No/Single Trauma" group (31.4%), with more male patients, intellectual disabilities, and nonhyperkinetic seizures, and a low level of psychopathology; A "Cumulative Lifetime Traumas" group (42.6%), with clear female predominance, hyperkinetic seizures, relatively common comorbid epilepsy, and a high level of psychopathology; and A "Childhood Traumas" group (26%), commonly with comorbid epilepsy, history of childhood sexual abuse (75%), and posttraumatic stress disorder, but also with a high level of anxiety and dissociation. SIGNIFICANCE Although our cluster analysis was undertaken without any a priori hypothesis, the nature of the trauma history emerged as the most important differentiator between three common FDS disorder subtypes. This subdifferentiation of FDS disorders may facilitate the development of more specific therapeutic programs for each patient profile.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Coraline Hingray
- Department of NeurologyNancy Regional University Hospital CenterNancyFrance,National Center for Scientific ResearchResearch Center for Automatic ControlMixed Unit of Research 7039University of LorraineNancyFrance,Nancy Psychotherapeutic CenterUniversity Hospital Center for Adult Psychiatry of Greater NancyLaxouFrance
| | - Deniz Ertan
- National Center for Scientific ResearchResearch Center for Automatic ControlMixed Unit of Research 7039University of LorraineNancyFrance,Clinical Research UnitTeppe InstituteTain‐l’HérmitageFrance
| | - Markus Reuber
- Academic Neurology UnitRoyal Hallamshire HospitalUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | | | - Jan Chrusciel
- Public Health and Performance Territorial CenterTroyes Hospital CenterTroyesFrance
| | - Alexis Tarrada
- Department of NeurologyNancy Regional University Hospital CenterNancyFrance,National Center for Scientific ResearchResearch Center for Automatic ControlMixed Unit of Research 7039University of LorraineNancyFrance
| | - Nathalie Michel
- La Conception Hospital, Marseille University HospitalsPublic Assistance–Marseille HospitalsMarseilleFrance
| | - Mylene Meyer
- Department of NeurologyNancy Regional University Hospital CenterNancyFrance
| | - Irina Klemina
- Department of NeurologyNancy Regional University Hospital CenterNancyFrance
| | - Louis Maillard
- Department of NeurologyNancy Regional University Hospital CenterNancyFrance,National Center for Scientific ResearchResearch Center for Automatic ControlMixed Unit of Research 7039University of LorraineNancyFrance
| | - Stephane Sanchez
- Public Health and Performance Territorial CenterTroyes Hospital CenterTroyesFrance
| | - Wissam El‐Hage
- Mixed Unit of Research 1253iBrainNational Institute of Health and Medical ResearchUniversity of ToursToursFrance,Psychiatry Center, Tours Regional University Hospital CenterToursFrance
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Gorenflo R, Ho R, Carrazana E, Mitchell C, Viereck J, Liow KK, Ghaffari-Rafi A. Identification for Risk Factors and Distinguishing Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures from Epilepsy: A Retrospective Case-Control Study. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2022; 217:107221. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2022.107221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
|
31
|
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
|
32
|
Lopez R, Lefevre L, Barateau L, Micoulaud-Franchi JA, Dauvilliers Y, Schenck CH. A series of 8 cases of sleep-related psychogenic dissociative disorders and proposed updated diagnostic criteria. J Clin Sleep Med 2022; 18:563-573. [PMID: 34534064 PMCID: PMC8804993 DOI: 10.5664/jcsm.9654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES To identify the most relevant clinical and video-polysomnographic characteristics of patients with sleep-related dissociative disorders (SRDDs) and to propose a framework for new diagnostic criteria. METHODS We searched potential SRDD cases from the scientific literature and from a database of patients referred for clinical and video-polysomnographic assessment in a single sleep disorders center for disruptive nocturnal behaviors (n = 731). The most relevant clinical and neurophysiological characteristics of the cases were extracted and a descriptive analysis was performed. RESULTS Twenty-six SRDD cases (8 new and 18 previously published cases) were reviewed. Almost all cases of SRDDs occurred in a context of past traumatic events or abuse and were associated with at least 1 comorbid psychiatric disorder. We highlighted 4 relevant clinical characteristics of SRDD useful for the differential diagnosis with parasomnias: episodes of long duration of more than 1 hour (90.9%), self-inflicted injuries (83.3%), occurrence while awake close to bedtime (35.7%), and the presence of daytime dissociative symptoms (72.7%). The video-polysomnography documented typical episodes of SRDD with prolonged wakefulness before, during, and after the event in 11/26 cases. New diagnostic criteria for SRDD were proposed, with 3 levels of certainty for the diagnosis based on clinical, video-polysomnographic, and homemade video findings. CONCLUSIONS More than 30 years after its formal identification, SRDD is not currently recognized as an official diagnostic entity. We better delineate the clinical and neurophysiological features of SRDD and propose a framework for its reinstatement in the next revisions of the sleep and psychiatric disorders classifications. CITATION Lopez R, Lefevre L, Barateau L, Micoulaud-Franchi J-A, Dauvilliers Y, Schenck CH. A series of 8 cases of sleep-related psychogenic dissociative disorders and proposed updated diagnostic criteria. J Clin Sleep Med. 2022;18(2):563-573.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Régis Lopez
- National Reference Centre for Orphan Diseases, Narcolepsy, Rare Hypersomnias, Sleep Unit, Department of Neurology, CHU Montpellier, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France,Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier INM, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France,Address correspondence to: Régis Lopez, MD, PhD, Centre national de référence narcolepsie hypersomnies, Département de Neurologie, CHU de Montpellier, Hôpital Gui de Chauliac, 80, avenue Augustin Fliche, 34295 Montpellier Cedex 5, France; Tel: (33) 4 67 33 74 78; Fax: (33) 4 67 33 72 85;
| | - Lou Lefevre
- National Reference Centre for Orphan Diseases, Narcolepsy, Rare Hypersomnias, Sleep Unit, Department of Neurology, CHU Montpellier, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Lucie Barateau
- National Reference Centre for Orphan Diseases, Narcolepsy, Rare Hypersomnias, Sleep Unit, Department of Neurology, CHU Montpellier, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France,Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier INM, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Jean-Arthur Micoulaud-Franchi
- Sleep Clinic, University Hospital of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France,USR CNRS 3413 SANPSY, University Hospital of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Yves Dauvilliers
- National Reference Centre for Orphan Diseases, Narcolepsy, Rare Hypersomnias, Sleep Unit, Department of Neurology, CHU Montpellier, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France,Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier INM, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Carlos H. Schenck
- Minnesota Regional Sleep Disorders Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota,Department of Psychiatry, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota,Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Ertan D, Aybek S, LaFrance WC, Kanemoto K, Tarrada A, Maillard L, El-Hage W, Hingray C. Functional (psychogenic non-epileptic/dissociative) seizures: why and how? J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2022; 93:144-157. [PMID: 34824146 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2021-326708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Functional seizures (FS) known also as psychogenic non-epileptic seizures or dissociative seizures, present with ictal semiological manifestations, along with various comorbid neurological and psychological disorders. Terminology inconsistencies and discrepancies in nomenclatures of FS may reflect limitations in understanding the neuropsychiatric intricacies of this disorder. Psychological and neurobiological processes of FS are incompletely understood. Nevertheless, important advances have been made on underlying neuropsychopathophysiological mechanisms of FS. These advances provide valuable information about the underlying mechanisms of mind-body interactions. From this perspective, this narrative review summarises recent studies about aetiopathogenesis of FS at two levels: possible risk factors (why) and different aetiopathogenic models of FS (how). We divided possible risk factors for FS into three categories, namely neurobiological, psychological and cognitive risk factors. We also presented different models of FS based on psychological and neuroanatomical understanding, multilevel models and integrative understanding of FS. This work should help professionals to better understand current views on the multifactorial mechanisms involved in the development of FS. Shedding light on the different FS profiles in terms of aetiopathogenesis will help guide how best to direct therapy, based on these different underlying mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deniz Ertan
- CRAN,UMR7039, Centre de Recherche en Automatique de Nancy, Vandoeuvre les Nancy, Grand Est, France.,Unité de recherche clinique, Établissement Médical de La Teppe, Tain-l'Hermitage, France
| | - Selma Aybek
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Hopitaux Universitaires de Geneve, Geneva, Switzerland.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Inselspital Universitatsspital Bern Universitatsklinik fur Neurologie, Bern, Switzerland
| | - W Curt LaFrance
- Psychiatry and Neurology, Brown Medical School Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Kousuke Kanemoto
- Neuropsychiatric Department, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Aichi, Japan
| | - Alexis Tarrada
- Neurology Department, CHRU de Nancy, Nancy, Lorraine, France.,University Psychiatry Department, Centre Psychothérapique de Nancy, Laxou, Lorraine, France
| | - Louis Maillard
- CRAN,UMR7039, Centre de Recherche en Automatique de Nancy, Vandoeuvre les Nancy, Grand Est, France.,Neurology Department, CHRU de Nancy, Nancy, Lorraine, France
| | - Wissam El-Hage
- Department of Psychiatry, CHRU Tours, Tours, Centre, France
| | - Coraline Hingray
- Neurology Department, CHRU de Nancy, Nancy, Lorraine, France .,University Psychiatry Department, Centre Psychothérapique de Nancy, Laxou, Lorraine, France
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
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
|
35
|
Hopp J, Pahlavan A, Richert M, Grimes K, Turlington K, Cassady M, Kvarta MD, Thompson SM. Peri-Ictal Changes in Depression and Anxiety in Persons With Epileptic and Non-epileptic Seizures. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:912697. [PMID: 35935419 PMCID: PMC9353188 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.912697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We tested the hypothesis that epileptic, but not non-epileptic, seizures would produce an improvement in comorbid depression and anxiety symptoms in the peri-ictal period, much like the antidepressant effects of electroconvulsive therapy. METHODS We examined depression and anxiety symptoms in patients admitted to an inpatient unit for continuous video electroencephalography as part of routine clinical care. Patients completed three questionnaires that included the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI), Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) after admission, in the 24 h following a seizure, then again 2 weeks after the last seizure. RESULTS In patients with epilepsy, depression and anxiety scores improved in the 24 hrs following a seizure (change in BDI = 24%; change in MADRS = 19%; change in BAI = 21%) but returned toward baseline after 2 weeks. In patients with non-epileptic seizures, depression and anxiety scores also improved in the 24 hrs following a psychogenic non-epileptic seizure (change in BDI = 17%, change in MADRS = 27%, change in BAI = 36%). There was a greater improvement in depression and anxiety scores in patients with focal-onset epilepsy (BDI = 30%, MADRS = 22%, BAI = 30%) compared to generalized seizure onset (BDI = 6%, MADRS = 12%, BAI = 8%). CONCLUSION We conclude that single seizures can result in transient improvements in mood. Because seizures need not be generalized or epileptic to exert this effect, the underlying mechanisms are uncertain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Hopp
- Division of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Autusa Pahlavan
- Division of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Mary Richert
- Division of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Kathryn Grimes
- Division of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Kate Turlington
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Maureen Cassady
- Division of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Mark D Kvarta
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Scott M Thompson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Kustov G, Zinchuk M, Rider F, Pashnin E, Voinova N, Avedisova A, Guekht A. Comorbidity of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures with mental disorders. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2022; 122:28-35. [DOI: 10.17116/jnevro202212202128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
37
|
Reuber M, Roberts NA, Levita L, Gray C, Myers L. Shame in patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizure: A narrative review. Seizure 2021; 94:165-175. [PMID: 34844847 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2021.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures (PNES) have been linked to dysregulated emotions and arousal. However, the question which emotions may be most relevant has received much less attention. In this multidisciplinary narrative review, we argue that the self-conscious emotion of shame is likely to be of particular importance for PNES. We summarize current concepts of the development of shame processing and its relationship with other emotional states. We demonstrate the potential of acute shame to cause a sudden disruption of normal cognitive function and trigger powerful behavioral, cognitive, physiological and secondary emotional responses which closely resemble key components of PNES. These responses may lead to the development of shame avoidance strategies which can become disabling in themselves. We discuss how excessive shame proneness and shame dysregulation are linked to several psychopathologies often associated with PNES (including depression and PTSD) and how they may predispose to, precipitate and perpetuate PNES disorders, not least by interacting with stigma. We consider current knowledge of the neurobiological underpinnings of shame and PNES. We explore how shame could be the link between PNES and a heterogeneous range of possible etiological factors, and how it may link historical aversive experiences with individual PNES events occurring much later and without apparent external trigger. We argue that, in view of the potential direct links between shame and PNES, the well-documented associations of shame with common comorbidities of this seizure disorder and the well-characterized relationship between chronic shame and stigma, there is a compelling case to pay greater attention to shame in relation to PNES. Its role in the treatment of patients with PNES is discussed in a separate, linked review incorporating case vignettes to highlight the complex interactions of different but interlinked shame-related issues in individual patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Reuber
- Academic Neurology Unit, University of Sheffield, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2JF, United Kingdom.
| | - Nicole A Roberts
- School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Liat Levita
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Cordelia Gray
- Specialist Psychotherapist, Neurology Psychotherapy Service, Sheffield Teaching Hospital, Academic Neurology Unit, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Lorna Myers
- Director, Northeast Regional Epilepsy Group, New York, United States
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Zinchuk M, Beghi M, Diotti S, Pashnin E, Kustov G, Rider F, Urh L, Guekht A, Cornaggia CM. Differential diagnosis between epileptic and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures through conversational analysis: A blinded prospective study in the Russian language. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 125:108441. [PMID: 34837840 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The current study examined the validity of conversational analysis (CA) in Russian patients with seizures, using a scoring table for the Simplified Linguistic Evaluation (SLE). The study sample was composed of 12 adult participants suffering either from epilepsy (ES) or psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) recruited in the Moscow Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry. Definitive diagnosis was established only after a habitual event was captured onvEEG. All participants with PNES or ES and at least one mental disorder underwent a 20-minute-long interview recorded on video. The interview then was evaluated by the external blinded physician already experienced in CA. Finally, that physician filled the SLE, consisting of 5 items analyzing the main characteristics of patient narrations. A score of ≥12 suggested a diagnosis of ES, while a score of <12 suggested a diagnosis of PNES. The blinded evaluator correctly identified 11 out of 12 cases. The concordance between the vEEG diagnosis and the CA diagnostic hypothesis was 91.67%. The sensitivity of the scoring table was 100%, while the specificity was 80%. The positive and the negative predictive values were, respectively, 87.5% and 100%. Our results suggested that the differences in seizure descriptions between patients with PNES and patients with ES are similar across Indo-European language family and are independent of psychiatric comorbidity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail Zinchuk
- Moscow Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry, Moscow, Russian Federation.
| | | | - Silvia Diotti
- University of Milano Bicocca, GSD Research, Milan, Italy
| | - Evgenii Pashnin
- Moscow Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Georgii Kustov
- Moscow Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Flora Rider
- Moscow Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Lina Urh
- University of Milano Bicocca, GSD Research, Milan, Italy
| | - Alla Guekht
- Moscow Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry, Moscow, Russian Federation; Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
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
|
40
|
Rocamora R, Chavarría B, Pérez E, Pérez-Enríquez C, Barguilla A, Panadés-de Oliveira L, Principe A, Zucca R. Mood Disturbances, Anxiety, and Impact on Quality of Life in Patients Admitted to Epilepsy Monitoring Units. Front Neurol 2021; 12:761239. [PMID: 34777230 PMCID: PMC8584435 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.761239] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The overall combined prevalence of anxiety and depression in patients with epilepsy has been estimated at 20.2 and 22.9%, respectively, and is considered more severe in drug-refractory epilepsy. Patients admitted to epilepsy monitoring units constitute a particular group. Also, patients with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures can reach more than 20% of all admissions. This study aims to characterize these symptoms in a large cohort of patients admitted for evaluation in a tertiary epilepsy center. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted among 493 consecutive patients (age: 38.78 ± 12.7, 57% females) admitted for long-term video EEG from January 2013 to February 2021. Demographic, clinical, and mood disorder patients' data were collected. Anxiety and depression symptoms were assessed through the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS-A and HADS-D), the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II). Quality of life was determined using the QOLIE-10. Patients were divided into three groups: patients with epilepsy (n = 395), psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) (n = 56), and combined (n = 33). A univariate and multivariate regression analysis was performed for variables associated with quality of life. Results: Of 493 patients, 45.0% had structural etiology, and considering epilepsy classification, 43.6% were of temporal lobe origin. In addition, 32.45% of patients had a previous psychiatric history, 49.9% of patients had depressive symptoms in BDI, and 30.9% according to HADS-D; 56.42 and 52.63% of patients presented pathological anxiety scores in STAI-T and STAI-S, respectively; and 44.78% according to HADS-A. PNES and combined groups revealed a higher incidence of pathologic BDI scores (64.29 and 78.79%, p < 0.001) as well as pathologic HADS-A scores (p = 0.001). Anxiety and depression pathologic results are more prevalent in females, HADS-A (females = 50.7%, males = 36.8%; p = 0.0027) and BDI > 13 (females = 56.6%, males = 41.0%; p = 0.0006). QOLIE-10 showed that 71% of the patients had their quality of life affected with significantly higher scores in the combined group than in the epilepsy and PNES groups (p = 0.0015). Conclusions: Subjective anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life are highly prevalent in patients with refractory epilepsy. These symptoms are more evident when PNES are associated with epilepsy and more severe among female patients. Most of the cases were not previously diagnosed. These factors should be considered in everyday clinical practice, and specific approaches might be adapted depending on the patient's profile.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Rocamora
- Epilepsy Monitoring Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain.,Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.,Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Beatriz Chavarría
- Epilepsy Monitoring Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eva Pérez
- Epilepsy Monitoring Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carmen Pérez-Enríquez
- Epilepsy Monitoring Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain.,Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ainara Barguilla
- Epilepsy Monitoring Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Alessandro Principe
- Epilepsy Monitoring Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain.,Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.,Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Riccardo Zucca
- Epilepsy Monitoring Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain.,Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.,Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Velani H, Gledhill J. The effectiveness of psychological interventions for children and adolescents with non-epileptic seizures. Seizure 2021; 93:20-31. [PMID: 34656015 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2021.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This article systematically reviews the literature on the effectiveness of psychological interventions for non-epileptic seizures (NES) in children and adolescents. METHODS Embase, Medline and PsycINFO were searched to December 2020, for articles published in English, which used an objective measure to evaluate the outcome of a psychological intervention for NES. Further studies were identified from reference lists and experts in the field were contacted for unpublished studies. RESULTS Twelve studies met inclusion criteria. Of these, four were set up with the primary aim of evaluating an intervention of which two used a control group, two were prospective outcome studies and eight looked at retrospective clinical data. Two studies evaluated a single treatment modality, the others multiple treatment components. Overall, psychoeducation, and top-down psychotherapy, such as cognitive therapies, were the most frequent interventions, with recent studies describing body-oriented (bottom-up) approaches. Analysis across all studies identified a range of additional intervention components which included assessment and/or treatment for co-morbidities, liaison with school and support for parents, highlighting the importance of individualised treatment packages. CONCLUSIONS There is a paucity of studies specifically evaluating interventions for NES. Though a range of approaches have been described in managing this patient group, with generally positive outcomes, it is not possible to conclude from the available literature that one treatment approach is superior to another, though the information may be helpful in developing management guidelines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hemma Velani
- Locum consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist, Harrow CAMHS, CNWL, 322 Northolt Rd, South Harrow, Harrow HA2 8EQ, United Kingdom.
| | - Julia Gledhill
- Division of Psychiatry, Imperial College London, 2nd Floor Commonwealth Building, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Salinsky M, Evrard C, Joos S, Boudreau E. Utility of mental health and sleep screening questionnaires for patients admitted to a seizure monitoring unit. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 123:108237. [PMID: 34375800 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108237] [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: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Patients with seizure disorders have relatively high rates of comorbid psychological and sleep disorders. Because these can profoundly affect quality of life, early recognition and treatment are of potential benefit. As a quality improvement project, we evaluated the performance and utility of a set of mental health and sleep quality screening questionnaires in patients admitted to a VA seizure monitoring unit (SMU). METHODS Questionnaires, including the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) checklist (PCL), the Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory-31 (QOLIE-31), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), were administered to 100 patients admitted to the Portland VAMC SMU. Scored results were entered into the electronic medical record (EMR) within 72 h of hospital admission. We assessed how many patients exceeded questionnaire cutoff scores, and whether these patients had prior mental health or sleep diagnoses or evaluations within the six months preceding admission. Following hospital discharge, providers completed a survey regarding the utility of the questionnaire results. We also reviewed EMR documented mental health and sleep visits during the six months following the SMU admission. RESULTS Forty-seven patients (47.5%) exceeded the cutoff score for the BDI-II, including 15 without an admission diagnosis of depression, and 14 who had not seen a mental health provider in the previous six months. Similarly, 33 patients (33.3%) exceeded the cutoff score for the PCL, including nine without a diagnosis of PTSD. Scores on the BDI-II and PCL were highly correlated with the QOLIE-31 total score (r = 0.7). Seventy patients (70.7%) exceeded the cutoff score for poor sleep quality, and 37 did not have a sleep disorder diagnosis. Providers indicated that the questionnaire results were moderately or very helpful in most cases and influenced discharge recommendations to patients and referring providers in more than 50% of cases. Discharge recommendations for mental health or sleep follow-up were associated with EMR documented consultations within the six months following SMU admission. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that a standard set of screening questionnaires can identify SMU patients at risk for mental health and sleep disorders, including patients not currently diagnosed or recently evaluated. Questionnaire results were perceived as helpful by providers and influenced discharge recommendations. Given that these disorders are treatable and have a major influence on health-related quality of life, the effort to collect and document this information is well justified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Salinsky
- VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, United States; Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States.
| | | | - Sandra Joos
- VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Eilis Boudreau
- VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, United States; Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Tilahun BBS, Thompson NR, Sankary LR, Laryea F, Trunick CM, Jehi LE. Outcomes in the treatment of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) with CBTip: Response in seizure frequency, depression, anxiety, and quality of life. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 123:108277. [PMID: 34492542 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures (PNES) are seizure-like episodes without EEG abnormality, and are of psychological origin. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a type of psychological counseling, is known to be the best intervention to treat PNES and the underlying psychiatric symptoms. Yet, many remain untreated because of limited access to specialized counseling programs. In this study, first we intended to see if the positive outcomes of the CBTip can be replicated in our patient population using within-group comparison. We also aimed to examine the outcomes of patients who received a variable dose of treatment than the established treatment protocol. METHOD We obtained retrospective patient reported outcomes (PRO) data from patients treated with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-informed psychotherapy (CBT-ip) from January 2015 to January 2020 in an outpatient tertiary care epilepsy center. The CBTip program is a 12-session intervention delivered weekly by a seizure counselor. Although the program comprises 12 sessions of treatment, we included patients who attended at least 7 sessions consistent with previous research that used a similar cutoff. We had a total of 160 patient PROs included in the analysis. Outcome variables including seizure frequency, depression, anxiety, and quality of life were examined using self-report outcome scores. Demographic and other clinical and psychosocial confounding variables were controlled. RESULTS In the first analysis in which we compared pre-treatment scores with 3-month posttreatment scores, there was no significant change in seizure frequency, depression, anxiety, and quality-of-life outcomes. In the second analysis when we compared pre- and posttreatment scores in patients who completed the treatment in longer than 3-month time, there were significant improvement in primary and secondary outcomes. For seizure frequency, 10 patients had data for "seizures per day in the last 6 months" and 5 participants (50%) improved by 50% or more in the number of seizures per day. There were also significant reductions in depression and anxiety scores but not in quality of life. IMPLICATION AND CONCLUSIONS Our analysis showed that patients treated with CBTip with a minimum of 7 sessions in 3 months did not have significant improvement. However, attending at least 7 sessions of CBTip in longer than 3 months was effective for seizure control, depression, and anxiety. The observational and exploratory nature of our study, however, limits the generalizability of our findings outside of the single tertiary clinical care setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Becky Bikat S Tilahun
- The Charles Shor Epilepsy Center Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States.
| | - Nicolas R Thompson
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences Neurological Institute Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, United States
| | - Lauren R Sankary
- Neuroethics Program, Center for Bioethics, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Firdaws Laryea
- The Charles Shor Epilepsy Center Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Charles M Trunick
- Lerner Research Institute Center for Clinical Research, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Lara E Jehi
- The Charles Shor Epilepsy Center Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) in the context of concurrent epilepsy – making the right diagnosis. ACTA EPILEPTOLOGICA 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s42494-021-00057-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractEpilepsy is a risk factor for the development of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) and comorbid epilepsy is recognized as a comorbidity in about 10–30% of patients with PNES. The combination of epileptic and nonepileptic seizures poses a particular diagnostic challenge. In patients with epilepsy, additional PNES may be suspected on the basis of their typical semiology. The possibility of additional PNES should also be considered if seizures fail to respond to antiepileptic drug treatment, in patients with frequent emergency admissions with seizures and in those who develop new types of seizures. The description of semiological details by patients and witnesses can suggest additional PNES. Home video recordings can support an initial diagnosis, however, especially in patients with mixed seizure disorders it is advisable to seek further diagnostic confirmation by capturing all habitual seizure types with video-EEG. The clinical features of PNES associated with epilepsy are similar to those in isolated PNES disorders and include longer duration, fluctuating course, asynchronous movements, pelvic thrusting, side-to-side head or body movement, persistently closed eyes and mouth, ictal crying, recall of ictal experiences and absence of postictal confusion. PNES can also present as syncope-like episodes with unresponsiveness and reduced muscle tone. There is no unique epileptological or brain pathology profile putting patients with epilepsy at risk of additional PNES. However, patients with epilepsy and PNES typically have lower educational achievements and higher levels of psychiatric comorbidities than patients with epilepsy alone. Psychological trauma, including sexual abuse, appears to be a less relevant aetiological factor in patients with mixed seizure disorders than those with isolated PNES, and the gender imbalance (i.e. the greater prevalence in women) is less marked in patients with PNES and additional epilepsy than those with PNES alone. PNES sometimes develop after epilepsy surgery. A diagnosis of ‘known epilepsy’ should never be accepted without (at least brief) critical review. This narrative review summarises clinical, electrophysiological and historical features that can help identify patients with epilepsy and additional PNES.
Collapse
|
45
|
Scévola L, Wolfzun C, Sarudiansky M, Pico MMA, Ponieman M, Stivala EG, Korman G, Kochen S, D'Alessio L. Psychiatric disorders, depression and quality of life in patients with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures and drug resistant epilepsy living in Argentina. Seizure 2021; 92:174-181. [PMID: 34536854 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2021.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Psychiatric disorders are frequently found in both patients with PNES and DRE, making the differential diagnosis even more complex. The aim of this study was to analyze and compare psychiatric aspects and the quality of life in patients with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) and drug resistant epilepsy (DRE). METHODS Patients admitted to video-electroencephalograpy (VEEG) unit with confirmed PNES and DRE were included. Demographical characteristics, psychiatric diagnosis according to SCID I and II of DSM IV, pharmacological treatment, general functioning measured with GAF (Global assessment of functionality), quality of life (QoL) using QlesQSF (Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire Short Form) and depression severity using BDI II (Beck depression inventory), were compared between the groups. Non-parametric tests, chi square test, and logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS 148 patients consecutively admitted to VEEG were included (DRE n = 97; PNES n = 51). Somatization disorder (RR: 13.02, 95% CI: 1.23-137.39, p = 0.03) and a history of trauma (RR: 8.66, 95% CI: 3.21-23.31, p = 0.001) were associated with PNES. The QlesQ score and the GAF score were lower with a higher prevalence of suicide attempts in the PNES group (p < 0.01). A negative correlation was observed between the severity of depression and the quality of life (DRE r = - 0.28, p = 0.013; PNES r = - 0.59, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Higher psychiatric comorbidity with poorer QoL were found in PNES patients compared to DRE. However, depression comorbidity negatively affected the QoL in both groups. Future studies based on illness perception will be orientated to complete this analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Scévola
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Medicina, IBCN (Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencias) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de Argentina (CONICET), Argentina; Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Medicina, Centro de Epilepsia del Hospital Ramos Mejía, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Camila Wolfzun
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Medicina, Centro de Epilepsia del Hospital Ramos Mejía, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Psicología-CONICET, Argentina
| | - Mercedes Sarudiansky
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Medicina, Centro de Epilepsia del Hospital Ramos Mejía, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Psicología-CONICET, Argentina
| | - María Marta Areco Pico
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Medicina, Centro de Epilepsia del Hospital Ramos Mejía, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Psicología-CONICET, Argentina
| | - Micaela Ponieman
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Medicina, Centro de Epilepsia del Hospital Ramos Mejía, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Psicología-CONICET, Argentina
| | - Ernesto Gonzalez Stivala
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Medicina, IBCN (Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencias) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de Argentina (CONICET), Argentina; Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Medicina, Centro de Epilepsia del Hospital Ramos Mejía, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Centro de Epilepsia del Hospital El Cruce, Estudios en Neurociencias y Sistemas Complejos (ENyS)-CONICET, Argentina
| | - Guido Korman
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Psicología-CONICET, Argentina
| | - Silvia Kochen
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Medicina, Centro de Epilepsia del Hospital Ramos Mejía, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Centro de Epilepsia del Hospital El Cruce, Estudios en Neurociencias y Sistemas Complejos (ENyS)-CONICET, Argentina
| | - Luciana D'Alessio
- Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Medicina, IBCN (Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencias) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de Argentina (CONICET), Argentina; Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Medicina, Centro de Epilepsia del Hospital Ramos Mejía, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Effective connectivity between emotional and motor brain regions in people with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES). Epilepsy Behav 2021; 122:108085. [PMID: 34166951 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108085] [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: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize the effective connectivity (EC) between the emotion and motor brain regions in patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES), based on resting-state spectral dynamic causal modeling (spDCM). METHODS Twenty-three patients with PNES and twenty-five healthy control (HC) subjects underwent resting-state fMRI scanning. The coupling parameters indicating the causal interactions between eight brain regions associated with emotion, executive control, and motion were estimated for both groups, using resting-state fMRI spDCM. RESULTS Compared to the HC subjects, in patients with PNES: (i) the left insula (INS) and left and right inferior frontal gyri (IFG) are more inhibited by the amygdala (AMYG), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and precentral gyrus (PCG); (ii) the left AMYG has greater inhibitory effects on the INS, IFG, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), PCG, and supplementary motor area (SMA); (iii) the left ACC has more inhibitory effects on the INS and IFG; (iv) the right ACC is more inhibited by the INS and IFG, and has a less inhibitory effect on the SMA and PCG; and (v) the left caudate (CAU) had increased inhibitory effects on the AMYG and IFG and a more excitatory effect on the SMA. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that in patients with PNES, the emotion-processing regions have inhibitory effects on the executive control areas and motor regions. Our findings may provide further insight into the influence of emotional arousal on functional movements and the underlying mechanisms of involuntary movements during functional seizures. Furthermore, they may suggest that emotion regulation through cognitive behavioral psychotherapies can be a potentially effective treatment modality.
Collapse
|
47
|
Soncin LD, McGonigal A, Kotwas I, Belquaid S, Giusiano B, Faure S, Bartolomei F. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in patients with epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 121:108083. [PMID: 34091128 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Anxiety and depression in epilepsy are strongly documented but post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is underestimated and poorly known. We studied the links between psycho-traumagenic events (TE), onset of epilepsy, and severity of PTSD symptoms in patients with epilepsy. The study included 54 patients with epilepsy and 61 controls. We used validated questionnaires to screen for anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms and we conducted an interview to measure the prevalence of TE. We developed an original exploratory questionnaire to assess the presence of PTSD during interictal and peri-ictal periods. The results show that patients reported more exposure to a TE and presented significantly more severe PTSD symptoms than controls. Seventy-eight percent of patients (vs. 52% of controls) had been exposed to a TE, and 26% (vs. 7%) had a score above the diagnostic threshold of the PTSD scale. In addition, 18.6% of patients reported that their epilepsy began at the same time as they began to experience PTSD symptoms following a TE. Patients with high PTSD scores (above the threshold, n = 14) reported significantly more depression symptoms than patients without PTSD and reported PTSD symptoms both during the ictal and peri-ictal periods. Within the whole group of patients, anxiety (72%) and depression (33%) symptoms significantly correlated with PTSD symptoms reported by the scale. This study shows that patients with epilepsy have increased prevalence of self-reported PTSD symptoms. We describe the clinical picture specific to patients with epilepsy, which may include classical PTSD symptoms but also specific peri-ictal symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa-Dounia Soncin
- Laboratoire d'Anthropologie et de Psychologie Cliniques, Cognitives et Sociales, Université Côte d'Azur, 28 Avenue de Valrose, 06103 Nice, France; Institut de Neurosciences des Systèmes, INSERM, Aix-Marseille Université Marseille, 58 bd Charles Livon, 13284 Marseille, France
| | - Aileen McGonigal
- Institut de Neurosciences des Systèmes, INSERM, Aix-Marseille Université Marseille, 58 bd Charles Livon, 13284 Marseille, France; Service d'Epileptologie et Rythmologie Cérébrale, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, 264 Rue Saint-Pierre, 13005 Marseille, France.
| | - Iliana Kotwas
- Service d'Epileptologie et Rythmologie Cérébrale, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, 264 Rue Saint-Pierre, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Sara Belquaid
- Laboratoire d'Anthropologie et de Psychologie Cliniques, Cognitives et Sociales, Université Côte d'Azur, 28 Avenue de Valrose, 06103 Nice, France; Service de Psychiatrie générale, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, 30 Voie Romaine, 06000 Nice, France
| | - Bernard Giusiano
- Institut de Neurosciences des Systèmes, INSERM, Aix-Marseille Université Marseille, 58 bd Charles Livon, 13284 Marseille, France; Pôle de Santé Publique, Hôpital de la Timone, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, 264 Rue Saint-Pierre, 13005 Marseille, France.
| | - Sylvane Faure
- Laboratoire d'Anthropologie et de Psychologie Cliniques, Cognitives et Sociales, Université Côte d'Azur, 28 Avenue de Valrose, 06103 Nice, France.
| | - Fabrice Bartolomei
- Institut de Neurosciences des Systèmes, INSERM, Aix-Marseille Université Marseille, 58 bd Charles Livon, 13284 Marseille, France; Service d'Epileptologie et Rythmologie Cérébrale, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, 264 Rue Saint-Pierre, 13005 Marseille, France.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Mandli AH, Desai NA, Badheka RS, Udani VP. Paroxysmal Nonepileptic Events in a Pediatric Epilepsy Clinic. J Pediatr Neurosci 2021; 16:17-23. [PMID: 34316303 PMCID: PMC8276968 DOI: 10.4103/jpn.jpn_33_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: We aimed to study the frequency, age, and gender distribution of paroxysmal nonepileptic events (PNEs) in children referred to epilepsy clinic with the diagnosis of epilepsy. We also evaluated the therapeutic implications of correct diagnosis and co-existence of true epilepsy in this population. Settings and Design: All new patients below 18 years attending the Pediatric epilepsy out-patient clinic of PD Hinduja hospital over 6 months were evaluated. Materials and Methods: Patients with history of paroxysmal events characterized by abrupt changes in consciousness or behavior or movement were included. They were assessed on description of events aided by recorded videos. If the diagnosis was not confirmed by this preliminary evaluation, further investigations were advised. Statistical Analysis Used: Chi-square/Fisher’s exact test was used to analyze differences between categorical variables and Kruskal–Wallis test between continuous variables. The data were analyzed by SAS University Edition. All significance tests were two-tailed with α <0.05. Results: Two hundred new patients presenting with paroxysmal events were enrolled over 6 months. After diagnoses, 19% of these children had PNEs, 80% had epileptic events, and 1% remained undiagnosed. Common nonepileptic events seen were physiological in patients below 5 years and psychogenic in older children. Thirty-four percent of patients with PNEs were on anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). After confirming nonepileptic attacks, only 2.6% patients needed AEDs for coexisting epilepsy which was statistically significant (P < 0.001) change in treatment. Conclusions: Epilepsy mimics are common in children and are often misdiagnosed causing undue stress. Correct diagnosis leads to a drastic change in management like withdrawal of drugs, commencing new treatment if needed, and appropriate referrals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashfak H Mandli
- Department of Paediatrics, PD Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Neelu A Desai
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, PD Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Rahul S Badheka
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, PD Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Vrajesh P Udani
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, PD Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Baldellou Lopez M, Goldstein LH, Robinson EJ, Vitoratou S, Chalder T, Carson A, Stone J, Reuber M. Validation of the PHQ-9 in adults with dissociative seizures. J Psychosom Res 2021; 146:110487. [PMID: 33932719 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2021.110487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The PHQ-9 is a self-administered depression screening instrument. Little is known about its utility and accuracy in detecting depression in adults with dissociative seizures (DS). OBJECTIVES Using the Mini - International Neuropsychiatric Interview as a reference, we evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of the PHQ-9 in adults with DS, and examined its convergent and discriminant validity and uniformity. METHODS Our sample comprised 368 people with DS who completed the pre-randomisation assessment of the CODES trial. The uniformity of the PHQ-9 was determined using factor analysis for categorical data. Optimal cut-offs were determined using the area under the curve (AUC), Youden Index, and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR). Convergent and discriminant validity were assessed against pre-randomisation measures. RESULTS Internal consistency of the PHQ-9 was high (α = 0.87). While the diagnostic odds ratio suggested that a cut-off of ≥10 had the best predictive performance (DOR = 14.7), specificity at this cut off was only 0.49. AUC (0.74) and Youden Index (0.48) suggested a ≥ 13 cut-off would yield an optimal sensitivity (0.81) and specificity (0.67) balance. However, a cut-off score of ≥20 would be required to match specificity resulting from a cut-off of ≥13 in other medical conditions. We found good convergent and discriminant validity and one main factor for the PHQ-9. CONCLUSIONS In terms of internal consistency and structure, our findings were consistent with previous validation studies but indicated that a higher cut-off would be required to identify DS patients with depression with similar specificity achieved with PHQ-9 screening in different clinical and non-clinical populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Baldellou Lopez
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Laura H Goldstein
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK.
| | - Emily J Robinson
- School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, King's College London, UK
| | - Silia Vitoratou
- Psychometrics and Measurement Lab, Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Trudie Chalder
- Department of Psychological Medicine, 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
| | - Jon Stone
- 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
|
50
|
Finkelstein SA, Cortel‐LeBlanc MA, Cortel‐LeBlanc A, Stone J. Functional neurological disorder in the emergency department. Acad Emerg Med 2021; 28:685-696. [PMID: 33866653 DOI: 10.1111/acem.14263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
We provide a narrative review of functional neurological disorder (FND, or conversion disorder) for the emergency department (ED). Diagnosis of FND has shifted from a "rule-out" disorder to one now based on the recognition of positive clinical signs, allowing the ED physician to make a suspected or likely diagnosis of FND. PubMed, Google Scholar, academic books, and a hand search through review article references were used to conduct a literature review. We review clinical features and diagnostic pitfalls for the most common functional neurologic presentations to the ED, including functional limb weakness, functional (nonepileptic) seizures, and functional movement disorders. We provide practical advice for discussing FND as a possible diagnosis and suggestions for initial steps in workup and management plans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Miguel A. Cortel‐LeBlanc
- Faculty of Medicine University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario Canada
- The Ottawa Hospital Ottawa Ontario Canada
- Queensway Carleton Hospital Ottawa Ontario Canada
| | - Achelle Cortel‐LeBlanc
- Faculty of Medicine University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario Canada
- Queensway Carleton Hospital Ottawa Ontario Canada
| | - Jon Stone
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences University of Edinburgh Edinburgh UK
| |
Collapse
|