The association of panic and hyperventilation with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Introduction: Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES) are events that appear epileptic but are instead thought to have a psychological origin. Increased rates of several psychiatric disorders have been reported in PNES, including anxiety and panic disorders. Some theories suggest panic and/or hyperventilation have aetiological roles in PNES, though these remain unproven. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of associations of panic and hyperventilation with PNES using Ovid Medline and PubMed, and a meta-analysis where appropriate. Results: We found eighteen studies reporting rates of panic in PNES and eight studies reporting hyperventilation. The reported rate of panic attacks in PNES..