Health care utilization of patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures

Psychosomatics. 1997 Nov-Dec;38(6):535-42. doi: 10.1016/S0033-3182(97)71398-7.

Abstract

Medical records were reviewed for 94 consecutive inpatients diagnosed with nonepileptic seizures. A 122-item follow-up questionnaire was returned by 71 patients (76%). The majority of the subjects reported fewer seizures (73%), their general health as "very good" (20%) or "good" (37), and "improved" quality of life (55%). Many patients had either discontinued (50%) or reduced (17%) use of anticonvulsant medications. The patients most often sought care from primary care providers (46%), followed by psychiatrists/psychologists (41%) and neurologists (31%). Of the 57 patients (80%) advised to seek psychiatric care, 27 individuals (47%) followed this recommendation.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Health Services / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Minnesota / epidemiology
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / statistics & numerical data*
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Seizures / diagnosis
  • Seizures / psychology*