A study of superimposition of hysteria upon epilepsy.
The superimposition of hysteria upon epilepsy was seen in 23 patients out of a group of 758 epileptic outpatients (3.03%). Secondary generalized epilepsy showed the highest prevalence (10.14%). Hysterical fits were seen in 15 patients. Seven patients showed hysterical twilight states. As for the other long-persisting features, the disturbances of motility, ataxias and paralyses without any organic basis were seen in seven patients and hysterical pseudodementia was found in one patient. As provocative factors, a variety of psychological problems was seen in 14 patients and hysterical personalities preexisted in eight patients. In a longitudinal study, the hysterical symptoms were transient in nine patients but they persisted for a long time or superimposed upon epilepsy repetitively in 14 patients.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D004833:Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D006677:Histrionic Personality Disorder / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D007046:Hysteria / Q000150:complications* / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D013226:Status Epilepticus / Q000150:complications
D000927:Anticonvulsants