The Successful Treatment of Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizure Using a Disorder-Specific Treatment Modality
From the Bilingual Neuropsychology Center (Myers) and the NYU Comprehensive Epilepsy Center (Zaroff)
Contact author: L. Myers, 104 East 40th Street, Suite 406, New York, NY 10016. E-mail: dralorna{at}aol.com.
Treatment for psychogenic nonepileptic seizure (NES) typically consists of psychopharmacological intervention and psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is believed to be effective in identifying the etiology of the disorder and treating disorder-related comorbidities. However, there is as of yet no clear consensus on the psychotherapeutic methodology most effective in treating NES. In the current case report, group psychotherapy utilizing psychoeducation was employed. Results show clear declines in symptoms of trauma and dissociation and improved coping strategies and quality of life.
KEY WORDS: nonepileptic seizures, pseudoseizures, conversion disorder, psychoeducation