Primary generalized epilepsy and temporal lobe epilepsy: a psychological study using Rorschach tests.

Abstract

Rorschach tests were performed on patients with primary generalized epilepsy (PGE) and on patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) combined with generalized tonic-clonic convulsions. Each group consisted of 20 cases and the two groups were matched as closely as possible. Patients with PGE were found to be characterized by variable responses, sensitivity, extroversion and undifferentiated tendencies. Patients with TLE are practical but inefficient and constricted in character. Cases not on medication displayed the same character types. On the basis of the above findings, speculation is made concerning the features of neurotic or psychotic PGE patients.