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Pediatric Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures: A Concise Review

Julia L Doss1, Sigita Plioplys2

  • 1Department of Psychology, Minnesota Epilepsy Group, 225 Smith Avenue North, Suite 201, St Paul, MN 55102, USA.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America
|November 22, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) are a complex disorder impacting children's lives and healthcare. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for better outcomes and remission in pediatric PNES.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric neurology
  • Child psychology
  • Psychosomatic medicine

Background:

  • Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) present a complex biopsychosocial challenge in children.
  • This condition significantly affects children's social, emotional, academic functioning, and family life.
  • High healthcare service utilization is associated with PNES in pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the impact of misdiagnosis and diagnostic delays in pediatric PNES.
  • To emphasize the importance of timely and accurate diagnosis for improving prognosis.
  • To underscore the benefits of prompt treatment initiation for remission.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current understanding of PNES in children.
  • Analysis of factors contributing to diagnostic challenges.
  • Synthesis of evidence regarding treatment timing and outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Diagnostic delays and misdiagnosis are common due to limited access to diagnostic standards and provider expertise.
  • These delays negatively impact the prognosis of pediatric PNES.
  • Treatment initiated closer to symptom onset is associated with better remission rates.

Conclusions:

  • Addressing diagnostic barriers is essential for improving pediatric PNES outcomes.
  • Timely intervention is critical for achieving remission in children with PNES.
  • Integrated care approaches are needed to manage this complex disorder.

Keywords:
ConversionEpilepsyFunctional neurologic disorderPediatricPsychogenic nonepileptic seizures

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