Group therapy for patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: a pilot study

Epilepsy Behav. 2008 Nov;13(4):624-9. doi: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2008.06.013. Epub 2008 Aug 8.

Abstract

Great advances have been made in the diagnosis of people with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) since the advent of video/EEG monitoring. However, treatment options for this population have lagged significantly. This pilot study was undertaken to evaluate whether group therapy done with a psychodynamic focus would offer a useful intervention. Twelve patients entered the study and seven completed at least 75% of the 32 weekly sessions. The Beck Depression Inventory and the Global Severity Index of the Symptom Checklist-90 showed improvement as well as an overall decrease in PNES frequency. The data suggest that group therapy focusing on interpersonal issues may benefit patients with PNES.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Electroencephalography / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Mental Status Schedule
  • Middle Aged
  • Pilot Projects
  • Psychophysiologic Disorders / complications
  • Psychophysiologic Disorders / therapy*
  • Psychotherapy, Group / methods*
  • Quality of Life
  • Seizures / complications
  • Seizures / psychology*
  • Seizures / therapy*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Surveys and Questionnaires