Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES) in Children, Teens, and Young Adults: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES) can be frightening for children, adolescents, and young adults—and confusing for families. These episodes often look like epileptic seizures but are not caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Instead, they are a type of functional neurological symptom connected to how the brain processes stress, emotions, and physical sensations.
PNES is a form of Functional Neurologic Disorder and is increasingly recognized by neurologists and mental health professionals. With the right treatment—particularly psychotherapy—many young people experience significant improvement and recovery.
At Ezer Psychotherapy, we specialize in evidence-based therapy for adolescents, young adults, and families experiencing complex brain-body conditions like PNES.
What Are Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES)?
Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures are seizure-like episodes that resemble epileptic seizures but occur without abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
During an episode, a child or young person may experience involuntary movements, shaking, or loss of awareness that looks very similar to epilepsy. However, these events occur because of changes in how the brain functions rather than a neurological disease.
PNES episodes are real, involuntary, and not under the person's control.
The brain is essentially sending incorrect signals to the body, often as a response to overwhelming stress, emotional distress, or nervous system dysregulation.
Why PNES Often Appears in Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures commonly develop during middle school, high school, or college years. This is a time when the brain is undergoing major developmental changes and young people face increasing social, academic, and emotional pressures.
Factors that can contribute to PNES in young people include:
Chronic stress or anxiety
Academic or athletic pressure
Trauma or adverse life experiences
Bullying or social challenges
Medical illness or injury
Emotional overwhelm
For some children and adolescents, PNES may begin after a stressful event. For others, symptoms may develop gradually as the nervous system becomes overwhelmed.
Symptoms of Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures
PNES episodes can look very similar to epileptic seizures, which is why diagnosis often requires careful medical evaluation.
Common symptoms may include:
Shaking or jerking movements
Loss of responsiveness
Collapse or fainting
Trembling or muscle spasms
Crying or emotional distress during an episode
Long seizure-like events lasting several minutes or more
Episodes triggered by emotional stress
Some young people experience episodes in school, during sports, or during stressful situations.
Because the symptoms resemble epilepsy, many families first seek help from a neurologist.
How PNES Is Diagnosed
Diagnosing PNES requires careful evaluation to rule out epilepsy and other neurological conditions.
Neurologists often use a test called an electroencephalogram (EEG).
Electroencephalogram records electrical activity in the brain.
During epileptic seizures, abnormal electrical patterns appear on the EEG. However, during PNES episodes, the EEG typically shows normal brain activity.
Many young people receive diagnosis after undergoing video EEG monitoring, where doctors observe seizure-like episodes while recording brain activity.
Once epilepsy and other neurological disorders are ruled out, clinicians may diagnose PNES as part of Functional Neurologic Disorder.
Receiving this diagnosis can feel confusing at first for families, but it also provides an important pathway toward effective treatment.
Are Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures Real?
One of the most important things families need to understand is that PNES episodes are completely real.
Children and young adults are not faking symptoms.
The episodes occur because the brain is struggling to regulate stress and emotional signals. The nervous system essentially becomes overwhelmed and expresses distress through physical symptoms.
This brain-body connection is well recognized in medicine and psychology.
Understanding this can help reduce shame and stigma while encouraging young people to seek treatment.
How Psychotherapy Treats Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures
Psychotherapy is considered one of the most effective treatments for PNES, particularly for children, adolescents, and young adults.
Treatment focuses on helping the brain and nervous system regain healthy regulation and communication.
1. Understanding the Brain–Body Connection
One of the first steps in therapy is helping young people understand how the brain and body interact.
When individuals learn that their symptoms are connected to nervous system regulation rather than structural brain disease, it often reduces fear and confusion.
Education helps young people see that recovery is possible.
2. Reducing Nervous System Dysregulation
Many individuals with PNES have nervous systems that remain in a heightened stress state.
Therapy helps develop skills such as:
Emotional regulation
Stress management
Grounding and mindfulness techniques
Body awareness and relaxation strategies
These approaches help calm the nervous system and reduce seizure episodes.
3. Addressing Underlying Stress, Anxiety, or Trauma
For some young people, PNES is connected to unresolved emotional stress or traumatic experiences.
Evidence-based therapy can help process these experiences safely while building resilience and coping skills.
Approaches may include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Trauma-informed therapy
Emotion regulation skills
Family-based interventions
Treating underlying emotional stress can significantly reduce symptoms.
4. Gradual Return to School and Activities
A key goal of therapy is helping young people return to normal life activities.
PNES can disrupt school attendance, sports participation, and social life. Therapy helps individuals rebuild confidence in their body while gradually increasing engagement in daily routines.
This process allows the brain to relearn healthy patterns of functioning.
The Role of Family Support
Parents and caregivers play a vital role in recovery from PNES.
Families can help by:
Validating that symptoms are real
Avoiding blame or criticism
Encouraging therapy participation
Supporting gradual return to normal activities
When families understand the condition, young people often feel less alone and more hopeful about recovery.
Therapy for PNES at Ezer Psychotherapy
At Ezer Psychotherapy, we provide specialized therapy for adolescents, young adults, and families experiencing psychogenic non-epileptic seizures and other functional neurological symptoms.
Our therapists use evidence-based approaches designed to:
Help clients understand PNES and the brain-body connection
Reduce anxiety and nervous system dysregulation
Address emotional stress and trauma
Build coping skills and resilience
Support return to school, sports, and daily life
We offer secure virtual therapy sessions, making it easier for families to access specialized care.
When to Seek Help for PNES
You may want to seek professional support if a child or young adult experiences:
Seizure-like episodes without a clear epilepsy diagnosis
Episodes triggered by stress or emotional situations
Neurological symptoms that interfere with school or daily functioning
Continued episodes despite normal neurological testing
Early treatment can significantly improve outcomes.
Get Support for Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures
Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures can feel overwhelming, but recovery is possible. With proper diagnosis and therapy, many young people regain control of their lives and return to normal functioning.
If your child, teen, or young adult is experiencing PNES, Ezer Psychotherapy is here to help.
Learn more about our services or schedule a consultation here at Ezer Psychotherapy today.
