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10 - Nonepileptic Events and General Psychiatric Care for Epilepsy Patients

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 January 2023

Patrick Landazuri
Affiliation:
University of Kansas Medical Centre
Nuria Lacuey Lecumberri
Affiliation:
University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
Laura Vilella Bertran
Affiliation:
University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
Mark Farrenburg
Affiliation:
University of Kansas Medical Centre
Samden Lhatoo
Affiliation:
University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
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Summary

Epilepsy care often intersects with mental health care. The chapter begins with nonepileptic events.This commonly encountered diagnosis is frequently on the differential for people with new onset seizures. Prompt recognition of a nonepileptic diagnosis can lead to early evidence-based treatment with cognitive behavioral therapy. Moreover, a nonepileptic event diagnosis can avoid inappropriate treatments such as antiseizure medicines (ASMs). It is critical to understand a nonepileptic event diagnosis does not mean that the events are not real or the patient is faking. Specific diagnostic clues for nonepileptic events are thoroughly discussed. The other section of the chapter explores the management of comorbid psychiatric diagnoses in patients with epilepsy and nonepileptic events. The use of most psychiatric medications, including stimulants, can be considered without affecting an epilepsy patient’s treatment plan. An understanding of psychiatric medication and ASM interaction can guide drug selection. As psychiatric diagnoses negatively affect epilepsy patients’ quality of life, prompt recognition and compassionate care can improve your patient’s overall health care.

Type
Chapter
Information
Seizure and Epilepsy Care
The Pocket Epileptologist
, pp. 175 - 185
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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References

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