[Epilepsy and pseudoseizures derived from their dissociation]

Abstract

Many epileptic patients have pseudoseizures (psychogenic nonepileptic seizures mimicking epileptic seizures) derived from their dissociation (conversion) or other psychiatric symptoms. The pseudoseizure cast many problems on medical support for their management. In this article I reported the result of investigation of pseudoseizures in an epilepsy unit in department of psychiatry, National Center Hospital for Mental, Nervous, and Muscular Disorders, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry. And I reffered to treatment and prognosis of pseudoseizures. The key points for psychiatrists in treating epileptic patients having pseudoseizures were; 1) not to hesitate to consult with specialists about diagnosis, 2) to distinguish a pseudoseizure from an epileptic seizure and to treat them separately, 3) not to treat seizure phenomena but patients by keeping reliable relationship with them.