A clinician’s perspective in the management of functional seizures

Abstract

Patients struggling with functional seizures represent a significant issue for institutions across the country. Fortunately, they often respond to regular Cognitive Behavioral oriented psychotherapy. This patient population tends to be underserved, and it is the hope that my experience in their treatment will alleviate this problem. My approach to therapy is largely self taught, and based on observation, trial and error, and over ten years of experience. My approach begins with the introduction of behavioural interventions, and as treatment progresses, I begin to rely on talk therapy aimed at the introduction of cognitive interventions. Treatment begins with an analysis of their episodes followed by interventions aimed at symptom reduction. Longer term goals include the management of co occurring mental health concerns and systemic issues.

Keywords

• Functional seizures
• Non-epileptic seizures
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• PNES