Incidence of Psychogenic Seizures in Adults: A Population‐Based Study in Iceland

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Abstract
Summary: Purpose: We wished to determine the incidence of psychogenic nonepileptic (NES) seizures in a population‐based study. Methods: Cases were identified through review of the results of all long‐term video‐EEG studies made in Iceland during the study period. Results: The incidence of NES was 1.4 in 100,000 person‐years of observation. Age‐specific incidence was highest in the youngest age group (age 15–24 years) and decreased thereafter. A strong female preponderance was observed. Conclusions: The incidence of NES is equal to almost 4% of that reported for epilepsy from Iceland for persons aged ≥15 years. For people aged 15–24 years, the incidence of NES is equal to −5% of the incidence of epilepsy. Half the patients also had epilepsy.