Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures: Predisposing factors to diminished quality of life

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to examine the factors that contribute to the reports of diminished quality of life (QOL) in patients with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES).MethodsWe assessed 62 patients with PNES for quality of life, anger expression and personality, and psychiatric, social and medical histories.ResultsDiagnosis of depression, pain syndromes, older age of onset and shorter duration of PNES correlated with poorer quality of life. Elevated anger state, trait and total anger scores correlated with worse quality of life and with Quality of Life in Epilepsy 31 subscales of emotional well-being, medication, cognitive and social effects, seizure worry, and fatigue.ConclusionOur study verifies reported correlations between depression and somatic symptoms and quality of life. A novel finding is that of a relationship between quality of life in PNES and anger expression. This result has important implications for psychotherapeutic treatment of PNES in that it provides a potentially modifiable target.

► We examine correlation between anger and quality of life in psychogenic seizures. ► Elevated anger state, trait and total scores correlate with worse quality of life. ► This provides a potentially modifiable target for treatment of these patients.