There are three major weaknesses in the standard care of PNES: 1) It takes on average 7 years to correctly diagnose the condition; 2) Psychiatry and psychology are woefully ignorant about psychogenic non epileptic seizures (PNES) and unprepared to treat despite PNES being a psychological condition; 3) Although inpatient epilepsy monitoring centers throughout the US […]
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
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 »
