In spite of the growing interest in psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES), this diagnosis clearly lacks both standard protocols and efficient treatment. We analyzed seizure frequency, as well as, academic and working performances in a group of PNES patients, both prior and following a specific eight-week program developed at PROJEPSI (Epilepsy and Psychiatry Project) - Institute of Psychiatry, Hospital de Clinicas, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo. The program targeted seizure reduction and decrease in losses associated to PNES. Fifteen patients (62.5%) entered prolonged remission and 19 (79.2%) improved academic and professional performances. Our study shows evidence supporting the efficacy of the NES protocol proposed by PROJEPSI. The number of patients presenting with either remission or significant decrease on their seizures following the diagnosis presentation, psychiatric comorbidity treatment and specific therapy aiming to damage and crisis suggests that the knowledge of this condition by patients, family members and friends is key to successful treatment.
epilepsy; psychogenic nonepileptic seizures
