Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #100370

Lori Uber-Zak, DO¹, Adriana Macias Chamorro, MA², M.F. Dulay, MA³, I. Baxter, MD⁴, and J.F. Drazkowski, MD⁴. (1) Department of Neurology, Loma Linda University, 11130 Anderson Street, Loma Linda, CA 92350, 713-839-1298, adrycham@sbcglobal.net, (2) Department of Psychology, Loma Linda University: Graduate School, 11130 Anderson Street, Suite 102, Loma Linda, CA 92354, (3) Department of Psychology, University of Cincinatti, 2600 Clifton Ave, Cincinatti, OH 45221, (4) Barrow Neurological Institute, 350 W. Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85013

Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) are defined as sudden onset behavioral changes, resembling epileptic seizures (ES), for which no satisfactory organic basis is identified. Research suggests that PNES represent an underlying psychiatric mechanism and higher rates of abuse are common. This study examined psychopathological symptoms as a function of abuse history and seizure diagnosis in an attempt to identify distinguishing group characteristics. Sample consisted of 34 female patients (ES=21;PNES=13; mean age=32.7) admitted for inpatient video-EEG. The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) was administered and subscales used represented complaints about bodily function(HS),depression(D),somatic complaints(HY),anger/hostility(Pd),and anxiety(Pt). Groups did not differ demographically, with the exception of chronological age and age of seizure onset (p's<.05). Group differences were found in regard to histories of emotional abuse(EA) and physical abuse(PA) (p<.05). MANOVA indicated significant between-group differences on MMPI-2 subscales. For PA, significant group differences were found for HS, Pd, and Pt. In addition, PNES patients who experienced PA had higher HY elevations than PNES patients without PA (p<.05).In regard to EA, ES patients reported significantly less somatic complaints. A significantly greater rate of PA and EA in PNES patients was found; however, sexual abuse was not significant. PNES patients who experienced PA had higher levels of symptomatology (HS, HY and Pt) compared to those with ES. Furthermore, PNES patients who experienced EA reported significantly greater HY scores. Findings highlight the importance of understanding and treating the interplay between psychological factors and physical symptoms.

Learning Objectives:

• 1)Learn about the similarities and differences in abuse history between epileptic and psychogenic non-epileptic female patients.
• 2)Learn about the common personality traits of patients with epileptic and non-epileptic patients.
• 3)Understand the interplay between personality characteristics and abuse history.

Keywords: Women, Evaluation

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.