Dissociation and interoception in functional neurological disorder.
Susannah Pick, Maya Rojas-Aguiluz, Morgan Butler...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32635804Actively Recruiting
Phase Not Applicable
Age: 18Years +
All Genders
ID07378488
Structured Dance/Movement Therapy for Functional Neurological Disorder: A Feasibility Study
Led by King's College London · Updated on 2026-02-04
30
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
8 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) involves symptoms such as tremors, limb weakness, functional seizures, and sensory issues, with many patients experiencing feelings of detachment or disconnection from their body. Researchers are exploring the feasibility of a structured dance/movement therapy (DMT) compared to physical exercise to assess its acceptability and potential to improve trust in the body, overall wellbeing, and reduce FND and dissociative symptoms. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a five-week structured dance/movement therapy program involving light stretching, aerobic dance movements, and body awareness activities, or a five-week physical exercise/body coordination program focusing on functional stretches and limb coordination without emphasis on bodily sensations. Both interventions last about 30 minutes per session and aim to be accessible to various ability levels. Throughout the study, participants will be assessed at multiple points using questionnaires and scales measuring symptom improvement, bodily awareness, mindfulness, dissociation, and physical states. Researchers will monitor recruitment, adherence, withdrawal, adverse events, and acceptability of the intervention up to 20 weeks. Participants will also complete daily diaries during the intervention period to track experiences and feelings related to the tasks.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Dance/Movement Therapy for Functional Neurological Disorder
Who Can Participate
Age: 18Years +
All Genders
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Aged 18 or older
- Fluent in English
- Normal or corrected eyesight
- Primary diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) with seizures, motor symptoms, sensory symptoms, or mixed symptoms
- Able to provide proof of FND diagnosis from a qualified healthcare professional
You will not qualify if you...
- Physical symptoms or disabilities preventing participation or attendance (e.g., severe tremor, limb paralysis, seizure frequency over 10 per day)
- Diagnosis of functional cognitive disorder or only functional cognitive symptoms
- Currently participating in another body-based therapy or intervention for FND
- Comorbid major neurological, psychiatric, or cardiovascular disorders that impair participation or may affect study results
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
1
2
3
Your Study Journey
Screening
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Treatment
Duration - 5 weeks
Participants will engage in either a structured dance/movement therapy or a physical exercise/body coordination programme designed to improve bodily awareness and physical functioning. Each session lasts about 30 minutes and the programme continues over five weeks.
Weekly visits for 5 weeks
Follow-up
Duration - Up to 15 weeks after treatment
Participants will be monitored after the treatment period to assess clinical improvements and feasibility outcomes, including adherence, withdrawal, and acceptability.
Visits at Week 9 and additional follow-up assessments
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London
London, London, United Kingdom, SE5 8AB
Actively Recruiting
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How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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Published Research Related To This Trial
Emotional processing in functional neurological disorder: a review, biopsychosocial model and research agenda.
Susannah Pick, Laura H Goldstein, David L Perez...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30455406Online structured dance/movement therapy reduces bodily detachment in depersonalization-derealization disorder.
L S Merritt Millman, Elaine C M Hunter, Devin B Terhune...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37018935Interoception in functional motor symptoms and functional seizures: Preliminary evidence of intact accuracy alongside reduced insight and altered sensibility.
L S Merritt Millman, Eleanor Short, Biba Stanton...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37516011