Nonepileptic seizures: reframing the diagnosis.
OBJECTIVE
Protocols for disclosing the diagnosis of psychological pseudoseizures have been developed. However, outcomes have not been carefully studied.


METHODS
Using a retrospective design, the investigators evaluated the outcomes by interviewing patients 2 years after diagnosis who received the diagnosis using a specific protocol.


RESULTS
There was a reduction in symptoms demonstrated by reports of lessened intensity of events or actual reduction in the number of events in 86% of those interviewed.


CONCLUSIONS
This protocol proved helpful in the acceptance of the diagnosis and improved adherence to the treatment recommendations after disclosure of the diagnosis.
Thompson
Noreen C
NC
University of Kansas Medical Center, Department of Nursing, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, Kansas 66160-7220, USA. nthomps2@kumc.edu
Osorio
Ivan
I
Hunter
Edward E
EE
D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000523:psychology; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004569:Electroencephalography; D006801:Humans; D007179:Incest / Q000523:psychology; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008016:Life Change Events; D015146:Midwestern United States; D024802:Nurse's Role; D010174:Pamphlets; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing; D011602:Psychophysiologic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D011613:Psychotherapy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012640:Seizures / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D012944:Social Support; D013240:Stereotyping; D013664:Teaching Materials; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014342:Truth Disclosure; D014743:Videotape Recording