Health condition
Non-epileptic attacks (dissociative seizures)
Non-epileptic attacks look like epileptic seizures but arise from a dissociative, functional mechanism rather than abnormal electrical discharges - they are genuine, involuntary and treatable with psychological therapy.
Why trust this guide
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Editorial team
Written by our editorial team from the UK sources listed on each page.
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Sourced from guidance
Checked against current NHS and UK specialist society guidance at the time of review.
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Current for 2026
Reviewed on 2026-09-27 with the next review scheduled for 2027-09-27.
Key facts
The essentials at a glance.
The symptoms to recognise, when to seek help, which specialist to see, and what treatment usually involves.
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Attacks are real and involuntary - not faked and not 'just stress'
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Longer duration, closed eyes, and fluctuating intensity are common distinguishing features
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Video-EEG during a typical attack is the gold-standard diagnostic test
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Specialist: a consultant neurologist for diagnosis, then FND-informed psychological therapy
Understanding the condition
What it is and what happens next.
What causes it, how it is diagnosed, and the treatment routes available in the UK.
What it is and how it feels
Dissociative seizures are episodes of collapse, shaking or unresponsiveness produced by a brain 'cut-out' mechanism related to dissociation, often - though not always - in people with past trauma or current stress. They can be indistinguishable from epilepsy at the bedside, and many people carry an epilepsy label and medication for years before the correct diagnosis is made.
Diagnosis and treatment routes
The diagnosis is made positively - typically by capturing a typical attack on video-EEG showing no epileptic activity - and communicated carefully, since understanding the diagnosis is itself therapeutic. Treatment is psychological, usually cognitive behavioural therapy designed for dissociative seizures, with anti-seizure medication withdrawn when epilepsy has been confidently excluded; attacks stop or reduce substantially in many people. In many parts of the UK, routine NHS referrals for this kind of problem currently take 20-45+ weeks, whereas an initial appointment with a private consultant is typically available within around two weeks.
Seeing a specialist
Who to see, and how quickly you can be seen.
The specialist for this condition is usually a consultant neurologist. Your GP can refer you on the NHS, or you can arrange a private consultation directly.
A quiet reminder
This guide is for information, not medical advice.
Your GP knows your history and can tell you which parts apply to you. If in doubt, see them - and seek urgent care for any of the emergency symptoms described above.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Non-epileptic attacks (dissociative seizures).
Quick, plain-English answers to what people ask us most.
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What are non-epileptic attacks (dissociative seizures)?
Non-epileptic attacks, also called dissociative or functional seizures, are episodes that look similar to epileptic seizures but aren't caused by abnormal electrical brain activity, instead relating to how the brain processes stress or psychological factors.
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What causes non-epileptic attacks?
They're thought to relate to the brain's response to overwhelming stress, trauma, or psychological factors, functioning as an involuntary protective mechanism rather than being consciously produced or 'faked' by the person experiencing them.
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How can non-epileptic attacks be told apart from epileptic seizures?
Certain features can suggest non-epileptic attacks, such as gradual onset, fluctuating movements, closed eyes during the event, or triggers linked to emotional stress, but the gold-standard way to distinguish them is video EEG monitoring during an actual episode.
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Are non-epileptic attacks dangerous?
They're not dangerous in the same way as epileptic seizures affecting brain electrical activity, but injuries can still occur during an episode, and the underlying psychological distress driving them deserves proper treatment.
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Can non-epileptic attacks be treated?
Yes, psychological therapies specifically developed for this condition can significantly reduce or resolve episodes for many people, particularly when the diagnosis is explained clearly and treatment engaged with early.
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How are non-epileptic attacks diagnosed?
Diagnosis is typically confirmed through video EEG telemetry, which records brain activity during an actual episode, allowing doctors to see there's no epileptic activity accompanying the physical symptoms.
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When should I see a neurologist about possible non-epileptic attacks, and how quickly can I be seen privately?
See a neurologist for unexplained seizure-like episodes not clearly responding to standard epilepsy treatment. A private neurologist can typically arrange assessment and video EEG referral within about two weeks.