Characteristics of Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizure Patients using MMPI Profiles

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to know psychological characteristics of psychogenic non-epileptic seizure (PNES) patients by analyzing profiles of Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). In addition, we tried to investigate whether there are differences of MMPI profiles, depending on the gender and age.METHODS: We included 65 patients with non-epileptic psychogenic seizures. Their diagnosis was based on clinical features, provocative test and confirmed by video-EEG monitoring.RESULTS: The results of MMPI analysis did not show any statistically significant differences of quantitative scoring on the main clinical scales. However, additional analysis indicated that patients with PNES had some characteristics of more somatic complaints and depressive mood. According to sex difference, the MMPI profiles of female group showed an increase in the depression scale (D-Pt), whereas those of male group revealed an increased in the somatisation (Hs-Hy). According to age difference, MMPI profiles of adolescent group had the characteristics of personality pattern with a tendency toward somatisation. MMPI profiles of adult group had more depressive tendency. This study suggests that profiles of MMPI, according to the gender and age, can have different characteristics.CONCLUSIONS: Clinical consideration of those factors may be helpful for improving the care of PNES patients.