Retraining and Control Therapy for adults with non-epileptic seizures

Retraining and Control Therapy (ReACT): Sense of Control and Catastrophic Symptom Expectations as Targets of a Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for Adult Functional Seizures (FS)

NA · University of Alabama at Birmingham · NCT06570954

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

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages19 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham (other)
Locations1 site (Birmingham, Alabama)
Trial IDNCT06570954 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 19 and older diagnosed with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures confirmed by a medical doctor.

Not a fit: Patients with comorbid epilepsy or those experiencing fewer than four PNES episodes per month may not benefit from this study.

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 performed: While the specific approach of ReACT may be novel, similar interventions targeting psychological aspects of seizure disorders have shown promise in other studies.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Birmingham, Alabama

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Convulsion, Non-Epileptic, ReACT

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.