PSYCHOLOGICAL CORRELATES OF PSYCHOGENIC SEIZURES

Psychological correlates of psychogenic seizures were studied. The MMP I, Portland Digit Recognition Test (PDRT; a forced choice measure of m otivation), disability status, Face-Hand Test, and Finger Agnosia were compared in 53 patients with medically intractable seizure disorders who underwent intensive EEG monitoring. Using conventional neurologic criteria, 64% had diagnoses of epileptic seizures (ES) and 36% had psy chogenic seizures (PS). PS patients were significantly higher in numbe r of somatoform MMPI profiles and likelihood of applying for financial benefits, and significantly lower on the PDRT. PS patients made more Finger Agnosia errors. Differences on the Face-Hand Test were of borde rline significance. The results support the existence of multiple psyc hometric correlates of PS.