Reframing PNES: Attachment and Gender as Keys to Closing the Onset, Diagnosis and Treatment Gap
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Authors
Mattson, Rebecca
Issue Date
2025-05-12
Type
Capstone
Language
en
Keywords
PNES , psychogenic nonepileptic seizures , attachment theory , feminist theory , gender
Alternative Title
Abstract
Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) is a common psychological condition, qualified under functional neurological (conversion) disorders in the DSM-5-TR (American Psychiatric Association), 2013). While symptoms are similar to epileptic seizures (ES), PNES is not caused by electrical activity in the brain. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are a risk factor for the development of PNES; however, ACEs research has been underutilized in understanding and treating the condition. Attachment theory, closely linked to ACEs research, is a trauma-informed theory that has been used to understand the etiology and inform treatment for many psychological conditions. It is likely that attachment theory is being underutilized in treatment of PNES. Despite having similar symptoms to ES, the impact of PNES on the quality of life of individuals is notably different. Social and structural systems of power, such as patriarchy and the role of gender, are partly responsible for the differences in quality of life. Further, systems of power contribute to the onset, diagnosis, and treatment gap experienced by individuals with PNES. It is suggested that further research identifying the role of gender and attachment in the presentation, perpetuation, and treatment outcomes of PNES will support the continued education of psychotherapists and the mitigation of the onset, diagnosis, and treatment gap.
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Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States
openAccess
openAccess