What are three common risk factors for psychogenic nonepileptic seizures?

The correct answer highlights three crucial risk factors for psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: stress, trauma, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These factors are significant because psychogenic nonepileptic seizures, often referred to as PNES, are typically associated with psychological distress rather than neurological causes.

Stress is a fundamental trigger for many psychological disorders, and in the context of PNES, it can precipitate episodes as a manifestation of the individual's inner turmoil. Trauma, including both acute and chronic experiences, can lead to the development of maladaptive coping mechanisms, one of which may include seizures that do not have a physiological basis. PTSD, arising from severe trauma, often manifests in various somatic symptoms, including seizures, as individuals struggle to deal with the psychological aftermath of their experiences.

The other options do not align as closely with the understanding of PNES. Factors such as family history of epilepsy or substance abuse relate more to organic seizure disorders, while chronic pain and sleep disorders might contribute to overall health issues but are not primary risk factors for psychogenic nonepileptic seizures specifically.