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Related Experiment Videos

Family functioning in subjects with pseudoseizures and epilepsy.

P Krawetz1, W Fleisher, N Pillay

  • 1Selkirk Mental Health Centre, Manitoba, Canada.

The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease
|February 24, 2001
PubMed
Summary

Individuals with pseudoseizures perceive higher family dysfunction, especially in communication. Their families report challenges with role definition, suggesting targeted interventions are crucial for treatment.

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Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Neurology
  • Family Psychology

Background:

  • Pseudoseizures (psychogenic nonepileptic seizures) are often associated with psychological distress.
  • Family dynamics may play a significant role in the manifestation and management of pseudoseizures.
  • Understanding family functioning differences is key to developing effective treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate and compare family functioning between individuals with pseudoseizures and those with epilepsy.
  • To identify specific areas of family interaction and structure that differ between these groups.

Main Methods:

  • A comparative study involving 31 adult subjects with pseudoseizures and 31 with epilepsy, confirmed by video-EEG.
  • Standardized questionnaires, the McMaster Family Assessment Device (FAD) and Beavers Self-Report Family Inventory (SFI), were administered.

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  • Participants and their first-degree adult family members completed the assessments.

    • Main Results:

    • Individuals with pseudoseizures reported significantly higher family psychopathology in affective involvement, communication, and general functioning (FAD), and greater conflict (SFI) compared to epilepsy controls.
    • Families of individuals with pseudoseizures showed significantly higher difficulties in defining roles (FAD) compared to families of epileptic subjects.
    • No significant differences were found between subjects with both pseudoseizures and epilepsy versus pseudoseizures alone.

    Conclusions:

    • Individuals with pseudoseizures perceive their families as more dysfunctional, particularly regarding communication.
    • Family members of individuals with pseudoseizures identify challenges in role definition within the family unit.
    • Family education and interventions targeting communication and role clarity may be essential components of pseudoseizure treatment.