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Hysterical seizures: a sequel to incest
Jean Goodwin1, Mary Simms2, Robert Bergman1
1Department of Psychiatry.
The American Journal of Orthopsychiatry
|October 1, 1979
Summary
Hysterical seizures in adolescents resolved with psychotherapy after incestuous experiences. This suggests a link between incest trauma and seizure development, potentially influencing folk beliefs.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Trauma Studies
Background:
- Adolescent mental health challenges often manifest in complex ways.
- Incest is a significant trauma with profound psychological consequences.
- Hysterical seizures, or conversion disorders, can be linked to psychological distress.
Observation:
- Six adolescent cases presented with hysterical seizures.
- Seizures emerged following reported incestuous experiences.
- Patients also exhibited suicidal ideation, sexual difficulties, and behavioral issues.
Findings:
- Psychotherapeutic exploration of incestuous experiences led to the resolution of hysterical seizures.
- A correlation was observed between incest trauma and the manifestation of seizure symptoms.
- The study highlights the impact of unresolved trauma on adolescent psychopathology.
Implications:
- Psychotherapy is a viable treatment for trauma-induced conversion disorders in adolescents.
- Understanding the link between incest and hysterical seizures may inform clinical practice.
- Folk beliefs connecting epilepsy and incest might stem from observed symptom patterns in victims.