Background: This study aims to analyze a series of pediatric patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) to establish the diagnostic gap and possible risk factors for the delayed diagnosis in this age group.
Methods: We evaluated all children with PNES documented by video electroencephalography. None had a previous diagnosis of PNES. In total, we included 53 children (interquartile range: seven to 17 years; mean age 12.81 years [S.D. 3.15]; 60.4% girls) who underwent a protocol consisting of neurological and psychiatric interviews.
Results: The average time between seizure onset and referral was 17.76 months (interquartile range: 0.5 to 48 months; S.D. ± 12.62). Earlier age of onset correlated with a later diagnosis (P < 0.001). The late referral group also presented with a history of psychological abuse (P = 0.018).
Conclusion: Youth with PNES represent a diagnostic challenge. Identification of children at risk might lead to earlier diagnosis of PNES.
Keywords: adolescents; children; diagnosis; nonepileptic seizures; psychogenic.
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