Retraining and Control Therapy for adults with non-epileptic seizures
Official title: Retraining and Control Therapy (ReACT): Sense of Control and Catastrophic Symptom Expectations as Targets of a Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for Adult Functional Seizures (FS)
Run by University of Alabama at Birmingham · NCT06570954 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new therapy called Retraining and Control Therapy to see if it can help adults with non-epileptic seizures feel more in control and reduce their worries about their symptoms.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 19 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Alabama at Birmingham Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Birmingham, Alabama) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 10, 2025 |
| Main results expected | August 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | June 11, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06570954 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 19 and older diagnosed with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures confirmed by a medical doctor.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with comorbid epilepsy or those experiencing fewer than four PNES episodes per month may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of Retraining and Control Therapy (ReACT) in adults diagnosed with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES). Participants, aged 19 and older, will undergo twelve therapy sessions after being randomly assigned to one of three groups: immediate treatment, a 3-month wait, or a 6-month wait. The study aims to measure changes in participants' sense of control and their catastrophic expectations regarding symptoms through various assessments, including questionnaires and behavioral tasks. The therapy sessions will be conducted via telehealth, allowing for flexible participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly improve the management and outcomes for patients suffering from non-epileptic seizures.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of ReACT may be novel, similar interventions targeting psychological aspects of seizure disorders have shown promise in other studies.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 19 years and older. * Diagnosis of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures by a medical doctor using video-EEG. Exclusion Criteria: * Comorbid Epilepsy * Less than 4 PNES per month * Other paroxysmal nonepileptic events (e.g. episodes related to hypoxic-ischemic phenomena, sleep disorders or migraine-associated disorders) * Participation in other therapy during the study * Severe intellectual disability * Severe mental illness (delusions/hallucinations) Exclusion for CPT: • Blood pressure \>130/80 mmHg
Where it's running
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University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Aaron Fobian, PhD — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Aaron Fobian, PhD
- Email: afobian@uabmc.edu
- Phone: 205-934-2241
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Therapy to improve control and reduce symptoms in children with non-epileptic seizures
This study is testing a new therapy called ReACT to see if it can help children aged 11-18 with non-epileptic seizures feel more in control and reduce their symptoms.
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Therapy to improve control and reduce symptoms in children with non-epileptic seizures
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.