Why do I have Dissociative Seizures?

Dissociative Seizures
NHS GGC

Dissociative Seizures are caused by mental or emotional processes, rather than by a physical process as seen in Epilepsy. Often they occur as a reaction to painful or difficult thoughts and feeling.

When thinking about stress we encourage people to think about it in its broadest form. Stress can be anything an individual may find difficult to cope with and/or manage on a day to day basis. For example:

  • Family and relationships
  • Employment
  • Mental and Physical Health
  • Significant Life Events
  • Grief
  • Health Anxiety

We all have different levels of stress which we can tolerate and sometimes things just get too much. The best way to understand this process is by continuing to the short animations in the next subheadings entitled 'How do dissociative seizures start and why me?' and 'Theories of Dissociation'.

How do dissociative seizures start and why me?

Dissociative seizures can be challenging to understand. Various factors contribute to their onset and persistence, varying among individuals. The Stress Vulnerability Bucket model, as demonstrated in the video above, helps explain the causes. The bucket represents our ability to cope, while rain signifies life stressors. When the bucket overflows, distress may lead to dissociative seizures. Balancing the bucket and coping effectively are key to managing these seizures. Sometimes, seemingly small stressors can trigger dissociative seizures due to the accumulated stress in the bucket. Past life events may also contribute to an eventual overflow. To see how this works watch the video above.

The cause of dissociative seizure may be different for different people and how they look may also be different. It is important that each person tries to understand what factors are contributing to their dissociative seizures. The Stress Vulnerability Bucket model aims to help you explain you Dissociative Seizures, however there are other theories and models which may help you understand this condition further.

Continue below to Theories of Dissociation to learn more.

Theories of Dissociation

The above video explains the various theories posited to explain dissociation.

The theories covered are as follows:

1. Activation of Dissociative Material suggests that distressing memories can manifest physically without conscious awareness.

2. The physical manifestation of emotional distress theory proposes that distressing memories turn into physical symptoms.

3. The hard-wired response theory links dissociation to the brain's survival response to threat.

4. The learned behaviour model suggests that seizures mimic a learned blueprint to release tension.

5. The Integrative Cognitive Model highlights the role of conscious awareness, emotions, and past experiences in shaping responses to situations.

No single theory fully explains dissociative seizures, emphasising the need for personalised treatment approaches.

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 30/05/2024

Next review date: 30/11/2024

Author(s): INS Neuropsychology QEUH.

Version: 2

Author email(s): ins.neuropsychology@ggc.scot.nhs.uk.

Approved By: NHS GGC

Reviewer name(s): INS Neuropsychology QEUH.