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Behavioral Characterization of Pentylenetetrazole-induced Seizures: Moving Beyond the Racine Scale
Published on: July 8, 2025
Cognitive behavioral therapy for psychogenic nonepileptic seizures
W Curt LaFrance1, Ivan W Miller, Christine E Ryan
1Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Rhode Island Hospital, Brown Medical School, Providence, RI 02903, USA. William_LaFrance_Jr@Brown.edu
Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B
|February 24, 2009
Summary
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) effectively reduced psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) in a clinical trial. The treatment also improved associated depression, anxiety, and quality of life for patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) are prevalent and disabling, yet treatment options are limited.
- Few studies have investigated the efficacy of specific interventions for PNES.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in reducing PNES frequency.
- To assess the impact of CBT on psychiatric symptoms and psychosocial functioning in PNES patients.
Main Methods:
- A prospective clinical trial was conducted with outpatients diagnosed with video/EEG-confirmed PNES.
- Participants received 12 weekly sessions of a manualized CBT for PNES intervention.
- Seizure frequency was monitored using prospective seizure calendars.
Main Results:
- Out of 21 enrolled subjects, 17 (81%) completed the CBT intervention.
- Eleven of the 17 completers (65%) reported no PNES by their final CBT session.
- Significant improvements were observed in depression, anxiety, somatic symptoms, quality of life, and psychosocial functioning.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for reducing PNES frequency.
- CBT also leads to significant improvements in psychiatric symptoms, psychosocial functioning, and overall quality of life in individuals with PNES.
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