Abstracts

Rationale: Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) are characterized by recurrent disruptive behaviors that mimic epileptic events without an organic cause. Epidemiological studies, the yearly incidence of PNES ranges between 1.4 to 3.0 per 100,000 in the general population (1). The information on PNES has grown significantly in the 1980s because of intensive video electrographic (VEEG) monitoring. However, both neurologists and psychiatrists consider PNES presentations as a challenge.

Methods: This is a retrospective review of of patients admitted to the epilepsy monitoring unit between the years 2001 and 2021. A total of 108 patients were diagnosed with PNES in addition to their epilepsy. In patients with PNES, psychiatric manifestations, co-morbidities and follow up was investigated.

Results: The diagnosis of PNES was more common in females (64%). History of psychiatric illness was significantly prevalent at 61%; 47% of which had mood disorders. 64% of cases required medication, and 47% needed psychotherapy. Only 13% did not require any intervention. Suicidal attempt was found in 1.9%. This study highlights the prevalence of underlying psychiatric illness in patients with epilepsy, and the importance of psychiatric intervention.

Conclusions: This is the first study in Saudi Arabia to investigate the detailed diagnosis of psychiatric manifestations of patients with PNES.

Funding: Please list any funding that was received in support of this abstract.: No funding was reviewed in support of this abstract.