Abstract
Background: Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) are classified with other functional neurological symptoms as 'Conversion Disorder', but there are reasons to wonder whether this symptomatology constitutes a distinct entity. Methods: We reviewed the literature comparing PNES with other functional neurological symptoms. Results: We find eight studies that directly examined this question. Though all but one found significant differences - notably in presenting age, trauma history, and dissociation - they were divided on whether these differences represented an important distinction. Conclusion: We argue that the aetiological and mechanistic distinctions they support, particularly when bolstered by additional data, give reason to sustain a separation between these conditions.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 425-429 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry |
Volume | 88 |
Issue number | 5 |
Early online date | 24 Feb 2017 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 4 May 2017 |
Bibliographical note
© Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.Keywords
- aetiology
- functional neurological disorder
- mechanism
- nosology
- psychogenic movement disorder