Nonepileptic Seizures: Reframing the Diagnosis

PROBLEM: Protocols for disclosing the diagnosis of psychological pseudoseizures have been developed. However, outcomes have not been carefully studied. METHOD: Using a retrospective design, the investigators evaluated the outcomes by interviewing patients 2 years after diagnosis who received the diagnosis using a specific protocol. FINDINGS: There was a reduction in symptoms demonstrated by reports of lessened intensity of events or actual reduction in the number of events in 86% of those interviewed. CONCLUSION: This protocol proved helpful in the acceptance of the diagnosis and improved adherence to the treatment recommendations after disclosure of the diagnosis.