The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and standard medical care as treatments for psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES). The participants in this randomized controlled trial (RCT) were 66 PNES patients. One group received only standard medical care over four months, while the other group received both standard medical care and CBT.
At the end of the treatment period, the group who had received both standard medical care and CBT experienced greater seizure reduction than the group that only received standard medical care. At the 6-month follow-up, the group that had received the combination of treatments tended to be more likely to have had three seizure-free months. Both groups improved on some health service use measures and on the Work and Social Adjustment Scale. Mood and employment statuses showed no change. The researchers concluded that the combination of CBT and standard medical care is more effective than standard medical care alone in reducing seizures in PNES patients.
To read the entire study, click here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20548043