Treatment Outcomes of CBT for PNES

Participants come to our laboratory for a total of 11 sessions. During the initial visit,
participants complete several questionnaires assessing demographics, personality style,
relationships with friends and family, as well as past and current PNES symptoms.
Participants must provide EEG results indicating a diagnosis of psychogenic non-epileptic
seizures.

Participants receive a PNES diary to record all episodes during the course of the study. They
are randomly assigned to either receive cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for PNES or
supportive therapy, and they return 8 times over the next 8 weeks for therapy sessions. If
randomized to CBT, participants and a family member learn how to change behaviors and
thoughts to address PNES. If randomized to supportive therapy, they discuss stressors and how
they relate to the PNES.

Procedures are the same for each therapy group. The first therapy session lasts approximately
90 minutes. All subsequent sessions last about one hour. After completing the 8 therapy
sessions participants return one week later for a follow-up visit lasting approximately one
hour. This visit consists of answering several questionnaires and an interview about current
PNES symptoms. Lastly, participants return two months later for a final follow-up visit
similar to the one week follow up visit.

Healthy controls are matched to participants with PNES based on age (+ or - 1 year), gender,
race and family income. They come for 1 laboratory visit to complete the initial visit
questionnaires.

Inclusion Criteria:

9-25 years old. Diagnosis of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures by a medical doctor using
video/EEG. Received diagnosis less than 2 years ago. Family member (parent if a minor)
willing to participate and that the subject with PNES chooses.

Exclusion Criteria:

Substance use. Other serious mental health diagnoses. Diagnosis of epilepsy is acceptable
as long as patient's neurologist confirms that epileptic seizures are currently under
control.