National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Dissociative seizures


Other Names:
Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures; Psychogenic seizures; Pseudoseizures; Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures; Psychogenic seizures; Pseudoseizures; Functional seizures; Non-epileptic attack disorder (NEAD); PNES See More
Dissociative or psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) are involuntary episodes of movement, sensation, or behaviors (vocalizations, crying, and other expressions of emotion) that do not result from abnormal brain discharges. The seizures can look like any kind of epileptic seizure.  They are somatic manifestations (physical symptoms) of psychologic distress. Psychiatric conditions associated with PNES include depression, anxiety, somatoform disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, dissociative disorder, and personality disorders. Treatment depends on the cause of the psychologic distress, and may involve cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy, as well as antidepressive medication.[1][2]
Last updated: 5/30/2016

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Patient Registry

  • A registry supports research by collecting of information about patients that share something in common, such as being diagnosed with Dissociative seizures. The type of data collected can vary from registry to registry and is based on the goals and purpose of that registry. Some registries collect contact information while others collect more detailed medical information. Learn more about registries.

    Registries for Dissociative seizures:
    Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) Scientific Registry
     

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  1. Alsaadi TM & Marquez AV. Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures. American Family Physicians. 2005; 72(5):849-856. http://www.aafp.org/afp/2005/0901/p849.html.
  2. Ettinger AB. Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures. UpToDate. April, 2016; http://www.uptodate.com/contents/psychogenic-nonepileptic-seizures.