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Gender differences in psychogenic non-epileptic seizures
1West of Scotland Regional Epilepsy Service, Institute of Neurological Sciences, Southern General Hospital, Glasgow G51 4TF, UK. r.duncan@clinmed.gla.ac.uk
Seizure
|January 12, 2005
Summary
This study found few gender differences in patients with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES), though males were more likely to be unemployed and females more likely to report sexual abuse or self-harm.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) are a functional neurological disorder.
- Understanding gender differences in PNES is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare male and female patients with PNES regarding demographics, etiology, clinical presentation, and diagnostic pathways.
- To identify potential gender-specific factors influencing PNES.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving semi-structured interviews with 160 patients diagnosed with PNES (plus epileptic seizures).
- Patients included 117 females and 43 males with video-electroencephalogram (EEG) confirmed diagnoses.
Main Results:
- Most demographic and clinical parameters showed no significant gender differences.
- Males were more likely to be unemployed; females reported higher rates of self-harm and sexual abuse.
- Women were more likely to weep post-event, while male patients' families were less accepting of the PNES diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- The study suggests limited gender disparities in PNES populations.
- Observed differences may offer insights into the causation of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures.
- Further research is needed to explore these nuanced gender-related factors.