Pseudoseizures and dissociative disorders: a common mechanism involving traumatic experiences.
Patients with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (pseudoseizures) have been diagnosed as having conversion disorder or dissociative disorder. Pseudoseizure patients frequently report a history of physical and sexual abuse, and traumatic experience is considered part of the mechanism for producing dissociation. Pseudoseizures may be a manifestation of dissociative disorder, especially when a history of sexual or physical abuse is documented. A common mechanism involving traumatic experience may be present in both pseudoseizures and dissociative disorders. A complete neurodiagnostic evaluation along with an awareness of this relationship is needed to provide appropriate care for this patient population.
Harden
C L
CL
Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center, New York, USA.
D000328:Adult; D003291:Conversion Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004213:Dissociative Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic; D010348:Patient Care Team; D012640:Seizures / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology