Psychogenic pseudoseizures in non-epileptic patients.

Twelve non-epileptic patients with psychogenic "convulsive" pseudoseizures were studied to delineate useful diagnostic criteria. Six patients had severe psychological disturbances, a long pseudoseizure history and a poor prognosis, while the other six showed little psychopathology, had undergone a recent emotional trauma to account for their pseudoseizures and had a relatively good prognosis. The characteristics of a typical attack precipitated by suggestion, the ictal or post-ictal EEG and the overall patient profile allowed a definite diagnosis in each case.