Psychogenic nonepileptic (functional) seizures: Significance of family history and model learning

If a positive family history of seizures plays a significant role that contributes to the risk for developing psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) by means of model learning, one would expect that patients with PNES with a family history of seizures show a different semiology than those without such a history. We investigated whether the above hypothesis is valid.

In this retrospective study, all patients with PNES, who were diagnosed at Shiraz Comprehensive Epilepsy Center at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran, from 2008 until 2019, were investigated. Demographic and clinical characteristics were compared between patients with a positive family history of seizures and those without such a history RESULTS: During the study period, 274 patients with PNES-only had the inclusion criteria. Seventy-seven (28%) patients had a positive family history of seizures and 197 (72%) patients did not have such a history. There were no significant demographic or clinical differences between the two groups.

It seems that a positive family history of seizures and model learning does not play a significant role in the development of PNES. Investigators should explore other potentially significant contributors and risk factors for developing PNES in future studies.