Late onset psychogenic nonepileptic attacks.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate differences between groups of patients with early vs late onset psychogenic nonepileptic attacks (PNEA).


METHODS
The authors compared patients with onset of PNEA after age 55 years (n = 26) to patients whose onset of PNEA was before age 55 years (n = 241). The authors examined sociodemographic variables, factors potentially predisposing to PNEA, clinical semiology, and medical and psychiatric background.


RESULTS
Patients with late onset PNEA were more likely to be male (p = 0.029) (p values are quoted uncorrected for multiple comparisons). They were less likely to report antecedent sexual abuse (p = 0.008), and more likely to have severe physical health problems (p < 0.001) and to report health-related traumatic experiences (p < 0.0001). There were no clear differences in PNEA clinical semiology. There was a trend to better baseline mental health in the late onset group.


CONCLUSIONS
The data suggest a distinct subgroup of patients with late onset psychogenic nonepileptic attacks, in whom psychological trauma related to poor physical health plays a prominent role.
Duncan
Roderick
R
West of Scotland Regional Epilepsy Service, Institute of Neurological Sciences, Southern General Hospital, Glasgow, Scotland.
Oto
Meritxell
M
Martin
Emma
E
Pelosi
Anthony
A
D017677:Age Distribution; D017668:Age of Onset; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015897:Comorbidity; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011602:Psychophysiologic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012640:Seizures / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D017678:Sex Distribution