What the study found
Dissociation, meaning a disruption in the coherent integration of experience, is described as a frequent but overlooked feature in epilepsy. The review suggests that dissociation and epilepsy may be best understood as interacting conditions rather than separate problems.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors say dissociation remains insufficiently integrated into epilepsy research and care. They conclude that better assessment, interdisciplinary models, and targeted research are needed to clarify the mechanisms involved and to support a more integrated understanding of brain-mind interactions.
What the researchers tested
The authors conducted a structured narrative review based on a comprehensive literature search. They gathered empirical and theoretical studies on the phenomenology, determinants, neurophysiology, and measurement of dissociation in epilepsy.
What worked and what didn't
The review reports evidence, though limited, that dissociation and epilepsy may share neurobiological substrates, common risk factors, and reciprocal effects. It also notes preliminary findings from theoretical models, neuroimaging studies, and intracranial stimulation, with dissociation appearing during seizures and between seizures (interictally).
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not describe specific quantitative estimates or a formal meta-analysis. It also notes that the evidence is limited and that dissociation is still understudied in epilepsy care.
Key points
- Dissociation is described as a frequent but overlooked feature in epilepsy.
- The review suggests epilepsy and dissociation may interact rather than exist as separate conditions.
- The authors link this interaction to shared neurobiological substrates, common risk factors, and reciprocal effects.
- Dissociation was reported during seizures and between seizures (interictally).
- The abstract calls for improved assessment, interdisciplinary models, and targeted research.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Epilepsy and dissociation may interact as overlapping conditions
- Authors:
- Mathieu Dhoisne, Philippe Derambure, Arnaud Leroy
- Institutions:
- Inserm, Université de Lille
- Publication date:
- 2026-04-02
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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