Therapy to improve control and reduce symptoms in children with non-epileptic seizures
Retraining and Control Therapy (ReACT): Sense of Control and Catastrophic Symptom Expectations as Targets of a Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for Pediatric Psychogenic Non-epileptic Seizures (PNES)
NA · University of Alabama at Birmingham · NCT05096273
This study is testing a new therapy called ReACT to see if it can help children aged 9-18 with non-epileptic seizures feel more in control and reduce their symptoms.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 68 (estimated) |
| Ages | 11 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Alabama at Birmingham (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Birmingham, Alabama) |
| Trial ID | NCT05096273 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of Retraining and Control Therapy (ReACT) in treating pediatric patients aged 9-18 diagnosed with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES). Participants will undergo twelve therapy sessions aimed at enhancing their sense of control and reducing catastrophic symptom expectations. The study employs various assessments, including pain tolerance tests and cortisol measurements, to gauge the therapy's impact. Follow-up visits will occur at 6 and 12 months post-treatment to monitor long-term outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 9-18 with a confirmed diagnosis of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures.
Not a fit: Patients with comorbid epilepsy or those experiencing fewer than four PNES episodes per month may not benefit from this therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly improve the quality of life for children suffering from PNES by enhancing their sense of control and reducing anxiety related to their symptoms.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies targeting psychological aspects of seizure disorders have shown promising results.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 9-18 years old. * Diagnosis of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures by a medical doctor using video-EEG. * Family member (parent if a minor) willing to participate and that the subject with PNES chooses. 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 * Severe intellectual disability * Severe mental illness (delusions/hallucinations) Exclusion for CPT: * Blood pressure \>130/80 mmHg for adolescents greater than or equal to 13 years old * Either systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 95% based on sex and age for children less than 13 years old
Where this trial is running
Birmingham, Alabama
- Sparks Center Office of Psychiatric Research — Birmingham, Alabama, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Aaron Fobian, PhD
- Email: afobian@uabmc.edu
- Phone: 205-934-2241
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: Convulsion, Non-Epileptic