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Mindfulness-based therapy for psychogenic nonepileptic seizures
Gaston Baslet1, Alexa Ehlert2, Megan Oser1
1Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B
|November 5, 2019
Summary
Mindfulness-based therapies (MBT) significantly reduced psychogenic nonepileptic seizure (PNES) frequency and intensity, improving quality of life in patients. Further research is needed to confirm long-term efficacy and address high dropout rates.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Mindfulness-based therapies (MBTs) show efficacy in neuropsychiatric disorders.
- MBTs offer a potential therapeutic avenue for psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical effect of a 12-session manualized MBT for PNES.
- To hypothesize reductions in PNES frequency, intensity, duration, and improvements in quality of life and psychiatric symptoms.
Main Methods:
- 49 patients with PNES were recruited between August 2014 and February 2018.
- Video electroencephalography (EEG) confirmed PNES diagnosis.
- Median regression and linear mixed models analyzed PNES frequency, intensity, duration, quality of life, and psychiatric symptoms.
Main Results:
- 26 patients completed the 12-session MBT program.
- Median PNES frequency decreased significantly (p=0.002) with each session.
- 50% of participants reported remission from PNES by treatment conclusion.
- PNES intensity decreased (p=0.012) and quality of life improved (p=0.002).
Conclusions:
- A 12-session MBT program improved PNES frequency, intensity, and quality of life.
- High dropout rates were observed, consistent with PNES adherence studies.
- Randomized controlled trials are necessary to establish MBT efficacy in PNES.
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