Abstract

The present study utilized a standardized neuropsychological evaluation and self report measures to compare 52 female patients, 18 years of age and older with a video-electroencephalogram (V-EEG) confirmed diagnosis of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) (n1=29) to a group of left temporal lobe epilepsy (L-TLE) demographically matched patients (n2=23). In an attempt to overcome methodological confounds of previously reported studies, participants were chosen based on stringent exclusion criteria, which barred mixed etiologies. The purpose of this study was to investigate possible differences in neuropsychological functioning, mood, and personality characteristics between individuals with PNES and those with L-TLE. Neuropsychological findings revealed intact intellectual abilities for the PNES group. All assessed neuropsychological domains for the PNES group were within normal limits with the exception of arithmetic and the working memory index of the WAIS-III, spatial span of the WMS-III, FAS and Trails A and B, which were in the Below Average range. In regard to psychological sequelae, between group differences for symptoms of depression and anxiety were not found; however, differences in personality characteristics were evident. Those diagnosed with PNES obtained higher MMPI-2 elevations on Scales 1 (Hypochondriasis), 3 (Hysteria), 4 (Psychopathic Deviate), 6 (Paranoia), 7 (Psychasthenia), and 8 (Schizophrenia). Moreover, differences in beliefs regarding external locus of control indicated that those with a diagnosis of PNES generally considered others to negatively impact their health, specifically seizure frequency. Lastly, malingering/suspect effort was not found in either group, however the dispersion of scores for the PNES group may be of clinical relevance.

LLU Discipline

Psychology

Department

Psychology

School

School of Science and Technology

First Advisor

Louis E. Jenkins

Second Advisor

Travis Fogel

Third Advisor

Michael Galbraith

Fourth Advisor

Matt Riggs

Fifth Advisor

Michael Ropacki

Sixth Advisor

Lori Uber-Zak

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Degree Level

Ph.D.

Year Degree Awarded

2006

Date (Title Page)

3-2006

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Neuropsychological Tests -- methods; Seizures -- psychology; Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe -- psychology; Personality Disorders -- psychology.

Type

Dissertation

Page Count

xii; 111

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

Download

Share

COinS