Pilot Prolonged Exposure Teletherapy Treatment Trial for Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures (PNES) and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A Randomized Clinical Trial
Pilot Prolonged Exposure Teletherapy Treatment Trial for Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures (PNES) and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A Randomized Clinical Trial
An outpatient randomized controlled clinical trial conducted at the Northeast Regional Epilepsy Group's PNES Program, involving mental health clinicians certified in PE and trained in administering PsychoEd.
A randomized parallel group trial was utilized to compare two therapeutic interventions for PNES, PE or PsychoEd, both delivered remotely via teletherapy. Each psychotherapeutic modality provided 12, 90-minute sessions. Seizure frequency was the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures were depression (Beck Depression Inventory) and post-traumatic stress symptomatology (Post-Traumatic Disorder Diagnostic Scale and PTSD Checklist). Data was collected prospectively, including baseline measures before initiating treatment, upon treatment completion, and at follow-up intervals of 3, 6, and 12-months post-treatment.
Inclusion Criteria:
English-speaking adults (18 years and older) Confirmed diagnosis of PNES through video-EEG monitoring Confirmed diagnosis of current PTSD At least one psychogenic non-epileptic seizure in the month prior to beginning treatment.
Exclusion Criteria:
Concurrent mixed epilepsy and PNES or video EEG findings that cannot clearly distinguish epilepsy and PNES Active suicidality Active psychotic symptoms Active substance or alcohol use or dependence that could interfere with participation in therapy Application for disability
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