Seizure suggestibility may not be an exclusive differential indicator between psychogenic and partial complex seizures: the presence of a third factor.

Differential diagnosis between psychogenic or ('hysterical') pseudoseizures and clinical partial complex seizures has often employed an index or inference of suggestibility. However, recent research indicates a moderate association between complex partial epileptic-like signs and hypnotic capacity in the normal population as well as for complex partial epileptic patients. Consequently, the precipitation of overt, non-stereotyped seizures by instruction may not be a reliable diagnostic method when an insidious process is slowly elevating temporal/limbic lobe lability. Implications for treatment and contra-indication of antipsychotic (D2 antagonist) drugs are discussed.