Are psychogenic non-epileptic seizures just another symptom of conversion disorder?

Abstract

Background: Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) are classified with other functional neurological symptoms as 'Conversion Disorder', but there are reasons to wonder whether this symptomatology constitutes a distinct entity. Methods: We reviewed the literature comparing PNES with other functional neurological symptoms. Results: We find eight studies that directly examined this question. Though all but one found significant differences - notably in presenting age, trauma history, and dissociation - they were divided on whether these differences represented an important distinction. Conclusion: We argue that the aetiological and mechanistic distinctions they support, particularly when bolstered by additional data, give reason to sustain a separation between these conditions.