Post-ictal psychoses. A clinical and phenomenological description

Br J Psychiatry. 1988 Feb:152:246-52. doi: 10.1192/bjp.152.2.246.

Abstract

Post-ictal psychoses have so far received little attention. The clinical details of 14 cases, diagnosed according to newly formulated criteria, were examined. Psychoses were usually precipitated by a run of seizures and occurred after a lucid interval. The seizures were partial complex with secondary generalisation in 11 cases. Catego analysis of the Present State Examination confirmed pleomorphic phenomenology. Follow-up details were available in all cases, for up to eight years. Psychoses tended to recur. Similarities with chronic epileptic psychosis are discussed, and a possible organic aetiology for post-ictal psychosis is proposed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Confusion
  • Delirium
  • Delusions
  • Epilepsy / psychology*
  • Female
  • Hallucinations
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychotic Disorders / etiology*
  • Time Factors
  • Unconsciousness