Diagnostic Feedback and Treatment Plan

Abstract

Successful delivery of feedback on the diagnosis of PNES determines whether the parents and child will be open to accept that the child has a psychiatric not a neurological diagnosis. Their acceptance and understanding of the disorder are essential for them to agree to the treatment needed to stop the episodes, prevent their recurrence, reintegrate the child to school and normal life, as well as learn to cope and problem-solve in an adaptive rather than maladaptive manner through avoidance. This chapter focuses on potential pitfalls in giving the feedback about the diagnosis and treatment of PNES. They involve who gives the feedback and describes the treatment plan, how and when this is done, and the need for a follow-up appointment to determine how the parents and child processed the feedback information.