Cognitive behaviour therapy with a woman in her twenties with a mild intellectual disability presenting with psychogenic non‐epileptic seizures

Abstract

Purpose

This case report aims to describe the treatment of a woman (Rachel) in her twenties who was referred to the community team for people with an intellectual disability by her neurologist as she wanted help with reducing the frequency of psychogenic non‐epileptic seizures (PNES).

Design/methodology/approach

CBT was used as the therapeutic approach. The first stage of intervention focussed on reducing the frequency of PNES through relaxation and distraction techniques. Graded exposure was then used to enable Rachel to achieve her goal of going on the bus alone. The intervention process was completed over 12 sessions.

Findings

Outcome was measured using self‐report of seizure frequency. Rachel has successfully reduced the frequency of PNES from seven to two‐three per week, and has managed to successfully complete several bus journeys on her own, working through the hierarchy the authors had developed. The authors also completed pre and post therapy measures for anxiety and depression. Her scores on the Glasgow Anxiety Scale for Intellectual Disability reduced from 23 to 19 whilst she scored sub‐clinically on the Glasgow Depression Scale for Intellectual Disability.

Originality/value

This case report seeks to add to the evidence base of CBT as a viable treatment for PNES whilst also demonstrating that the approach can be adapted to meet the needs of clients with intellectual disabilities.

Citation

Atnas, C.I. and Lippold, T. (2013), "Cognitive behaviour therapy with a woman in her twenties with a mild intellectual disability presenting with psychogenic non‐epileptic seizures", Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, Vol. 7 No. 4, pp. 245-250. https://doi.org/10.1108/AMHID-03-2013-0023