Development and validation of a screening questionnaire for psychogenic nonepileptic seizures.

Objective: Epilepsy and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) are serious conditions, associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Although prompt diagnosis is essential, these conditions are frequently misdiagnosed, delaying appropriate treatment. We developed and validated the Anxiety, Abuse, and Somatization Questionnaire (AASQ), a quick and clinically practical tool to differentiate PNES from epilepsy.

Distinct psychopathology profiles in patients with epileptic seizures compared to non-epileptic psychogenic seizures.

Objective: Similarities in clinical presentations between epileptic seizures (ES) and psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) produces a risk of misdiagnosis. Video-EEG monitoring (VEM) is the diagnostic gold standard, but involves significant cost and time commitment, suggesting a need for efficient screening tools.

Methods: 628 patients were recruited from an inpatient VEM unit; 293 patients with ES, 158 with PNES, 31 both ES and PNES, and 146 non-diagnostic.

Abbreviated assessment of psychopathology in patients with suspected seizure disorders.

Purpose: Psychopathology is common in patients undergoing investigation for seizure-related disorders. Psychometric examination using self-report instruments, such as the Symptom Checklist 90 - Revised (SCL-90-R), can assist diagnosis. The SCL-90-R, however, is a lengthy instrument and might not be tolerated by all patients.

Personality profiles differ between patients with epileptic seizures and patients with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures.

Purpose: Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) and epileptic seizures (ES) are often difficult to differentiate, leading to incorrect or delayed diagnosis. The aim of the study was to determine whether patients of these two diagnostic groups possess different personality profiles, and whether they could be used to efficiently screen for PNES in clinical settings.

Methods: Collection of data was conducted on 305 patients who completed the NEO-Five Factor Inventory questionnaire during a Video EEG Monitoring admission to the Royal Melbourne Hospital between 2002-2017.