Management of Hysterical Seizures in Epileptic Patients

Abstract

• Intensive behavioral psychotherapy for hysterical seizures was carried out in nine epileptic patients, after video-EEG confirmation of diagnosis, during four to nine weeks of hospitalization in a specialized seizure unit. During a four-year follow-up, a significant reduction in hysterical seizures was noted in seven patients. Only one patient remained refractory to treatment and was hospitalized a number of times for hysterical seizures. One patient was lost to follow-up. Four patients showed significant and two patients showed slight improvement in psychosocial status. There was no behavioral improvement in one patient while another patient, who was severely retarded, showed temporary worsening of behavior, with decrease in frequency of hysterical seizures. Principles of managing hysterical seizures emphasize early diagnosis and vigorous supportive-reeducative psychotherapy.