Nonpharmacologic Interventions and Seizure Frequency in Patients With Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures: An Integrative Review

Abstract

Background: Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) pose a heavy burden on patients’ lives and the health care system. The symptoms of PNES are often debilitating and cause high rates of disability and poor quality of life. Many treatment options are available, but there is no clear consensus on best practices. Aim: To critique and synthesize the current literature on nonpharmacologic interventions and effects on seizure frequency in patients with PNES. Methods: An integrative review guided by the Whittemore and Knafl approach. Results: The review included 24 studies published from 2010 to 2020. Interventions for PNES included individualized psychotherapies, group therapies, multimodal psychotherapies, self-help therapies, and complementary and alternative medicine therapies. Individual psychotherapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy and psychoeducation were the most used treatment modalities. The most effective treatments for seizure frequency reduction were those that included multiple psychotherapy sessions with a health care provider and covered multiple domains (e.g., understanding of diagnosis, identifying triggers, and developing effective coping strategies). Conclusions: Seizure frequency can be reduced in patients with PNES with multiple nonpharmacologic interventions. However, seizure frequency is not considered a comprehensive outcome measure and provides little insight into other important life domains. Further research is needed on nonpharmacologic interventions for PNES and effects on other areas of life such as sleep, employment status, global functioning, and self-efficacy.