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Behavioral Characterization of Pentylenetetrazole-induced Seizures: Moving Beyond the Racine Scale
Published on: July 8, 2025
[Psychogenic non epileptic seizures: a review]
Y Auxéméry1, C Hubsch, G Fidelle
1Service de psychiatrie et de psychologie clinique, hôpital d'instruction des armées Legouest, 27, avenue de Plantières, BP 90001, 57070 Metz cedex 3, France. yann.auxemery@hotmail.fr
L'Encephale
|April 13, 2011
Summary
Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) are challenging to diagnose, often mistaken for epilepsy. Effective treatment requires addressing both the seizures and associated psychiatric conditions for improved patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
- Psychosomatic Medicine
Context:
- Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) are frequently misdiagnosed as epilepsy, leading to delayed and inappropriate treatment.
- PNES are characterized by altered movements, sensations, or experiences caused by psychological processes rather than neurological events.
- Diagnosis is challenging, with a significant delay often occurring between symptom onset and accurate identification.
Purpose:
- To review the current literature on the diagnosis, pathophysiology, and treatment of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES).
- To highlight the diagnostic complexities, including the overlap with epilepsy and the role of psychiatric comorbidities.
- To discuss the current understanding of PNES etiology and the challenges in developing effective therapeutic strategies.
Summary:
- PNES are often misdiagnosed, with patients experiencing a long diagnostic latency.
- Video electroencephalography monitoring is the gold standard for differentiating PNES from epileptic seizures.
- High rates of psychiatric comorbidities, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD, are associated with PNES, often linked to childhood trauma.
Impact:
- PNES represent a significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, impacting patients and healthcare systems.
- Understanding the psychological underpinnings and comorbidities is crucial for comprehensive patient care.
- Further research is needed to establish clear therapeutic guidelines and improve outcomes for individuals with PNES.
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