Up to 90% of patients with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) report histories of significant trauma (often childhood sexual and physical abuse). If we compare with control groups and the general US population, we find that in fact, patients with psychogenic non epileptic seizures have suffered more abuse than these other groups. As for post-traumatic stress […]
In order for psychotherapy to have any chance of working, the psychologist needs to have targets to work on and goals for change. The most obvious goal for change in PNES is for the behavioral episodes (i.e. non-epileptic seizures) to stop. In reality, there are a number of other important goals in treating PNES but
About ten days ago I announced that we will be offering a psychogenic non-epileptic webinar in September of 2013. I received incredibly positive responses from patients, family members and a number of health professionals. But I was surprised to receive some unhappy comments from others in the medical profession. Today’s blog talks about some of
Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures webinar in 2013-differences in opinions Read More »
How can we best treat PNES, how can we help you get back to health?
Psychogenic non epileptic seizures: treatment for psychogenic seizures Read More »
In December of 2012, the neuropsychology team from the Northeast Regional Epilepsy Group will present some interesting early findings about patients with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures as compared to patients with epilepsy. The study compared executive functions (planning and organizing, problem solving, attention, working memory, mental flexibility, set shifting) in patients with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES)
Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures: what is neuropsychology showing us? Read More »
A few months back I wrote on my Navigating Epilepsy Blog about stigma in epilepsy. I’m writing on the same topic with regards to psychogenic non epileptic seizures because non-epileptic patients face this kind of stigma too. What is stigma?? According to www.dictionary.reference.com, it’s “a mark of disgrace; a stain or reproach, as on one’s
Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures: stigma and strength in numbers Read More »
Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of being invited to Colombia with two of my colleagues from the Northeast Regional Epilepsy Group to the XVth National Epilepsy Congress. I was asked to speak about psychogenic non –epileptic seizures and in today’s blog I would like to share the experience with you. The congress was
Talking about Psychogenic Non Epileptic Seizures in Colombia (South America) Read More »
Anxiety is a serious problem for most patients who have psychogenic non epileptic seizures. Why? Genetics and environment are both likely contributors. Anxious traits can be inherited. In addition, having experienced a painful history (which is common in most persons with PNES) that was not successfully dealt with leaves many with PNES poorly equipped to
Some think that because psychogenic non epileptic seizures are “psychological” that they somehow have less of an impact on life. But for many who have PNES, it can feel like a prison (see picture of handcuffs). PNES has some very real emotional and physical effects and the potential to affect the finances and independence of
Psychogenic non epileptic seizures (PNES) can disrupt life in a multitude of ways Read More »
Research shows that a very high number of persons with PNES have suffered abuse in the past (see past blog posts). And experiences of abuse go along with distress and fear. So, PNES is commonly seen as fueled by anxiety and fear by clinicians. However, I am sure you have heard of the “fight or
Psychogenic non epileptic seizures and anger: target for treatment Read More »
