Predictive factors for outcome of nonepileptic seizures after diagnosis

The aim of this study was to assess prognosis among adult patients with non epileptic seizures (NES) and to determine predictor variables for resolutio n of NES after diagnosis. Six to 9 months after receiving a video-EEG-docum ented diagnosis of NES, 43 adults responded by telephone interview to a det ailed, structured questionnaire probing history of the episodes, psychiatri c factors, socioeconomic variables, relationships, reactions to receiving t he diagnosis, and potential history of litigation. At follow-up, only 18.6% were episode-free, 55.8% had improved, 16.3% reported no change, and 9.3% reported greater frequency of episodes. Patients who reported having many f riends currently or having good relationships with friends as a child were significantly more likely to be episode-free. Subjects with pending litigat ion were significantly less likely to experience a reduction in episodes.