The Non-Epileptic Attack Disorder (NEAD) service is here to help people who have been given this diagnosis. We provide a range of support to help you understand and manage this condition.

What we offer:

• NEAD Intervention Course (remote): Learn about NEAD, warning signs, lifestyle factors, and techniques to help manage episodes. You will also be supported to create a personal management plan.
• NEAD Intervention Group: Learn about NEAD and management techniques alongside others with similar experiences.
• Individual Therapy: Work 1-to-1 with a therapist to explore factors linked to your experience and learn new coping strategies.
• Working with Healthcare Professionals: Training and consultation on NEAD.

Non-epileptic attacks (NEAs) are temporary experiences where people lose control of their body, senses or awareness. NEAs are the body’s natural way of protecting itself from overwhelming pressure; they do not cause internal damage.

Episodes may be linked to factors such as physical or emotional stress, trauma, and lifestyle. NEAs can look like epileptic seizures, but the causes are different—NEAs are a nervous-system response to pressure rather than abnormal brain activity.

Common symptoms include:

• Shaking
• Falling or losing control of limbs
• Numbness
• Losing awareness or experiencing “brain fog”
• Changes to vision or hearing

The body has an “alarm system” that helps us respond to threat. It can be triggered by things inside or outside our body. Our thoughts and emotions also influence how long the alarm sounds.

A useful way to understand this is the traffic lights model (green, amber, red). There’s nothing wrong with being in any zone, but difficulties arise when we get stuck, or when the alarm sounds in the absence of threat.

Green zone: Rest and digest; more relaxed; present-focused; easier to socialise and think clearly.

Amber zone (fight/flight): Heart rate and breathing increase, muscles tense, stress hormones rise, focus narrows; problem-solving can be harder; emotions like anxiety or anger are more likely.

Red zone (freeze/flop): Energy-saving survival mode; low motivation or numbness; body can feel heavy or “not mine”. NEAs happen in this zone.

For more detail, see the NEAD Traffic Lights leaflet (PDF).

• Noticing: Practice noticing which zone you’re in. A diary can help—try the Traffic Light Diary (PDF) and the “What’s Affecting My Traffic Lights?” worksheet (PDF).
• Strategies: Use breathing and grounding techniques to move closer to green. See Grounding strategies (PDF).
• Balance your activity: Too little rest or too little movement can both keep you in amber—aim for balance.
• Psychological strategies: Work with a therapist to understand why you spend time in amber/red and to learn new ways to respond.

DO maintain a calm, quiet environment; give space; speak calmly (remind them where they are, who you are, that they’re safe, and that there’s no rush); tell others it’s not a medical emergency.

DO NOT call 999 (unless there is a serious injury needing immediate treatment); give medication; touch them (unless protecting the head); crowd or stand over them; try to bring them out of it—the episode will pass naturally.

Disclaimer: This guidance is for patients with a sole diagnosis of NEAD. If you have NEAD and epilepsy, follow your neurologist’s advice.

See also: Tips for Managing NEAD (PDF).

1. How common is NEAD? Around 20,000 people in the UK are affected; roughly 1 in 5 people presenting with seizure-like symptoms receive a NEAD diagnosis.
2. Other names? Functional seizures, psychogenic seizures, or dissociative seizures.
3. NEAD vs epilepsy? NEAD is driven by physical/emotional pressure; epilepsy is due to abnormal brain electrical activity.
4. Can someone have both? Yes—some people have both NEAD and epilepsy.
5. Is there medicine? No—talking therapies are recommended.
6. “I don’t feel stressed—how is this psychological?” NEAD can happen to anyone, especially after difficult life experiences; therapy helps explore contributing factors.
7. Why do episodes happen when I’m relaxed? The body can release long-held pressure in safe, relaxing moments.
8. Waiting for an appointment? We’ll contact you as soon as you reach the top of the waiting list. In the meantime, see the group/course information above and the Leaflets & Worksheets below.
9. What happens at the first appointment? Your therapist will discuss your NEAD experience, impact, health, relationships, work, and what matters to you.
10. Can someone come with me? Yes—bringing a supporter to your assessment is fine.
11. Will I get better? Many people live full, happy lives with NEAD. Understanding the condition and using management strategies reduces episodes; some people stop having them entirely.
12. Can I drive? Check DVLA guidance: Neurological disorders: assessing fitness to drive.
13. Can I keep working? Yes—staying active is encouraged. You may need adjustments for safety/comfort and a simple plan colleagues can follow.

• Understanding NEAD (PDF)
• Understanding NEAD – Easy-Read (PDF)
• The NEAD Service (PDF)
• Tips for Managing NEAD (PDF)
• Traffic Lights (PDF)
• Traffic Light Diary (PDF)
• What’s Affecting My Traffic Lights? (PDF)
• Managing NEAD – Grounding (PDF)

To access the NEAD service you must:

• Have a confirmed NEAD diagnosis made by a neurologist or neuropsychiatrist
• Agree with the diagnosis
• Live in Greater Manchester or be referred by an MCCN Neurologist/Neuropsychiatrist
• Be aged 16 or above

A healthcare professional can make a referral on your behalf if the above criteria are met. If your referral is accepted, you will be added to our waiting list.

For professionals: Referral information & form.

• FND Dimensions
• Neuro Symptoms
• FND Action
• NEAD – FND Action
• Non-Epileptic Attacks

• Dr Andrew Healey — Clinical Psychologist and NEAD Service Lead
• Dr Claire Steele — Clinical Psychologist
• Dr Dani Verity — Clinical Psychologist
• Keira O’Dell — Psychotherapist

Watch our short video