The clinical features of patients suffering from psychogenic non-epileptic seizures with or without epileptic seizures.

Abstract

Objective: We investigated the clinical characteristics of pediatric psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES). Methods: We studied 15 children and adolescents with PNES, who were divided into 3 groups : 1) a group with epilepsy (7 patients), 2) a group without epilepsy and mental retardation (MR) (7 patients), and 3) a group with MR (1 patient), according to the guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of PNES established by the Japan Epilepsy Society. Results: Remission of epilepsy and PNES was achieved in only 2 patients in the group with epilepsy. In the group without epilepsy and MR, antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) could be discontinued entirely in all the patients, however, the treatment for PNES could be completed in only one patient. Treatment of epilepsy and PNES could be completed in the one patient with MR. Conclusions: It is important for pediatric neurologists to explain the good news to the parents of children in the group without epilepsy or MR, that the patient does not have epilepsy and does not require treatment with AEDs. For the group with MR, understanding should be encouraged about the development of the child. Because treatment is difficult in the group with epilepsy and PNES, cooperation among the pediatric neurologists, pediatric psychiatrists and clinical psychologists is more important.