Improving research into psychogenic non-epileptic seizures

William Curt LaFrance Jr, MD MPH, FAAN, FANPA, DFAPA, Brown University, Providence, RI, explains that the most valuable evidence on the mechanisms and treatment of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) comes from double-blinded placebo-controlled randomized trials. Prof. LaFrance believes that for treating these patients, more is needed than just finding a drug. In fact, during a recent placebo-controlled study, it was found that there was a 45% reduction in seizures in patients treated with serotonin medication and an 8% increase in seizures in the placebo cohort. This means that there is more to the picture than originally thought. Therefore, Prof. LaFrance thinks the way forward is to incorporate psychotherapies, rehabilitation techniques (e.g., occupational, physical and speech therapy), and diagnostic and treatment outcome biomarkers. This interview took place at the American Academy of Neurology 2022 Congress in Seattle, WA.