Nocebo Hypothesis Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (NH-CBT) for non-epileptic seizures: a consecutive case series

Abstract

Abstract Background: Research has demonstrated that implementation of Nocebo Hypothesis Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (NH-CBT) achieved full symptom remission in 93% of people with Functional Neurological Symptoms Disorder (FNSD), most of them exhibiting motor symptoms. The basis for NH-CBT is consistent with a predictive coding aetiological model of FNSD. This idea is transparently shared with people with FNSD in the form of telling them that their symptoms are caused by a nocebo effect, usually followed by some physical activity that aims to change the person’s belief about their body. Aims: To demonstrate that a version of NH-CBT can also be effective in eliminating or reducing non-epileptic seizures (assumed to be a sub-type of FNSD). Method: A consecutive case series design was employed. Participants were treated with NH-CBT over a 12-week period. The primary outcome measure was seizure frequency. Numerous secondary measures were employed, as well as a brief qualitative interview to explore participants’ subjective experience of treatment. Results: Seven out of the 10 participants became seizure free at least 2 weeks before their post-treatment assessment, and all stayed seizure-free for at least 5 months. Six of those seven remained seizure free at 6-month follow-up. There were large positive effect sizes for the majority of secondary measures assessed. Conclusions: This case series provides evidence of feasibility and likely utility of NH-CBT in reducing the frequency of non-epileptic seizures.