Dissociative convulsions: A case report

Pages: 1159-1162
Ridhima Sharma and Manpreet Ola (Amity Institute of Clinical Psychology, Amity University, Gurgaon, Haryana)

Dissociative convulsions are paroxysmal episodes, resulting in symptoms of autonomic arousal, triggered by intense emotions, traumatic events and environmental stressors. Even though there is no underlying biological basis involved, in many cases, they are confused with seizures and the individual remains on anti-epileptic medication for years, without any therapeutic effect. The current case report presents a clinical picture and management of dissociative convulsion. The case is that of 19 years old female, belonging to a family of middle socioeconomic status, came with the chief complaints of restlessness, trembling in the body, followed by state of unconsciousness for 5-7 minutes since the past 8-9 months. The primary diagnosis was that of dissociative convulsion (F44.5) along with co-morbid moderate depressive episode (F32.1). The management was pursued with an eclectic approach comprising techniques from various therapeutic approaches such as person-centered therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, supportive psychotherapy, eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing, problem solving therapy and jacobson’s progressive muscle relaxation. Post-treatment, the client could better understand and deal with her symptom manifestation, resulting in reduction in the levels of associated distress and anxiety.