Interoceptive therapy for patients with functional seizures
ADIE-FS - Aligning Dimensions of Interoceptive Experience in Patients With Functional Seizures
NA · University College, London · NCT06105996
This study is testing a new therapy to see if it can help people with functional seizures feel better and have fewer seizures compared to standard treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University College, London (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (London) |
| Trial ID | NCT06105996 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of an interoceptive therapy program designed to reduce the severity and duration of functional seizures in patients. Functional seizures, which resemble epileptic seizures but are not caused by electrical discharges in the brain, are linked to altered interoception—the ability to sense internal bodily signals. The study will involve two groups: one receiving interoceptive training and another receiving standard treatment. The researchers will assess improvements in interoceptive abilities, quality of life, and various psychological and physical symptoms.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 with clinically established functional seizures.
Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive impairments, major psychiatric disorders with active psychosis, or significant cardiovascular issues may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly reduce the severity and frequency of functional seizures, improving patients' overall quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of interoceptive training is relatively novel, preliminary research suggests it may have beneficial effects on related symptoms.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged over 18 years * Capacity to complete informed consent to take part in study * Possible, or probable or clinically established or documented functional seizure as per International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) criteria Exclusion Criteria: * Age below 18 years * Past moderate to severe head injury as defined by Mayo criteria * Moderate to severe cognitive impairment * Co-existing or past neurological disorder causing sensorimotor symptoms * Co-existing major psychiatric disorder with active psychosis * Moderate to severe musculo-skeletal disease (e.g., osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis) causing functional impairment (e.g., in gait or basic activities of daily living) * Current substance or alcohol dependence * A recent cardiovascular event (last 12 months) or undiagnosed chest pain * BMI (body mass index \> 40kg/m2) * Taking cardiac ionotropic drugs * Uncontrolled hypertension * Pregnancy * Uncontrolled asthma or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) * Are having cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) specifically for functional seizures, or are due to have CBT specifically for functional seizures within the period of the study.
Where this trial is running
London
- Queen Square Institute of Neurology — London, United Kingdom (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Mahinda Yogarajah, PHD — UCL/UCLH
- Study coordinator: Pushpsen Joshi, PHD
- Email: Uclh.randd@nhs.net
- Phone: 020 3447 5557
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures, Dissociative Seizures, Psychogenic Pseudoseizure, Functional Neurological Disorder, Non Epileptic Seizure, interoception, functional seizures, functional neurological disorder