Incidence of psychogenic seizures in adults: A population-based study in Iceland

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 greater than or equal to 15 years. For people aged 15-24 years, the incidence of NES is equal to similar to 5% of the incidence of epilepsy. Half the patients also had epilepsy.