Randi Libbon1, Sarah Baker2, Meagan Watson2, Crystal Natvig3, Laura Strom2, Susan Mikulich3. 1. Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado, 13001 E 17th Place, campus box F546, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA. randi.libbon@cuanschutz.edu. 2. Department of Neurology, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA. 3. Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado, 13001 E 17th Place, campus box F546, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Sex differences in non-epileptic seizures (NES) are of interest, as the diagnosis is more frequent in women than men (3:1 ratio). This paper reviews clinical findings regarding sex differences in NES through selective literature review and compares coping measures between women and men in our NES clinic. RECENT FINDINGS: Some distinguishing clinical features of NES in women and men are reported in the literature. However, we found few sex differences in demographics and coping. In our population, avoidance and dissociation were strongly related to one another and significantly related to co-occurring PTSD diagnosis, which was seen in over 50% in both sexes. Our findings confirm a high prevalence of PTSD in patients with NES, suggesting that comorbid PTSD may override sex differences in accounting for use of avoidant and dissociative coping. These findings raise the possibility that NES may, at times, represent an extreme variant in dysfunctional coping in patients with PTSD.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Sex differences in non-epileptic seizures (NES) are of interest, as the diagnosis is more frequent in women than men (3:1 ratio). This paper reviews clinical findings regarding sex differences in NES through selective literature review and compares coping measures between women and men in our NES clinic. RECENT FINDINGS: Some distinguishing clinical features of NES in women and men are reported in the literature. However, we found few sex differences in demographics and coping. In our population, avoidance and dissociation were strongly related to one another and significantly related to co-occurring PTSD diagnosis, which was seen in over 50% in both sexes. Our findings confirm a high prevalence of PTSD in patients with NES, suggesting that comorbid PTSD may override sex differences in accounting for use of avoidant and dissociative coping. These findings raise the possibility that NES may, at times, represent an extreme variant in dysfunctional coping in patients with PTSD.
Authors: Katherine H Noe; Madeline Grade; Cynthia M Stonnington; Erika Driver-Dunckley; Dona E C Locke Journal: Epilepsy Behav Date: 2012-02-15 Impact factor: 2.937
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