Actively Recruiting
Retraining and Control Therapy (ReACT) R33 Phase
Led by University of Alabama at Birmingham · Updated on 2026-03-17
160
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
146 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
The purpose of this study is to assess sense of control and catastrophic symptom expectations as targets for Retraining and Control Therapy (ReACT- an intervention focused on changing behaviors and thoughts) for treatment of pediatric psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES, episodes resembling epileptic seizures but with no correlated epileptiform activity). 11-18-year-olds diagnosed with PNES will engage in twelve sessions of either ReACT or supportive therapy. Sense of control over actions will be measured by the magic and turbulence task, a well-validated measure of sense of control. Participants will complete the cold pressor test (CPT) in which participants hold their hand in cool water for as long as possible up to 3 minutes. Catastrophic symptom expectations in response to the CPT will be measured by Pain Catastrophizing Scale for Children (PCS-C), pain tolerance (time with hand in water) and cortisol response. Target assessments occur 7 days before treatment, 7 days after 12th treatment session, and 2 months after the 12th treatment session. Long term follow-up assessments will occur 6 months and 12 months after the 12th treatment session. PNES frequency will be measured from 30 days before to 12 months after treatment.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Retraining and Control Therapy (ReACT) R33 Phase
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- 11-18 years old
- Diagnosis of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures by a medical doctor using video-EEG
- Family member (parent/guardian if a minor) willing to participate and chosen by the participant
You will not qualify if you...
- Comorbid Epilepsy
- Less than 4 PNES per month
- Other paroxysmal nonepileptic events (e.g. hypoxic-ischemic episodes, sleep disorders, migraine-associated disorders)
- Participation in other therapy during the study
- Severe intellectual disability
- Severe mental illness (delusions/hallucinations)
- Blood pressure over 130/80 mmHg for adolescents 13 years or older
- Blood pressure at or above 95% based on sex and age for children under 13 years
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama, United States, 35294
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
A
Aaron Fobian, PhD
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
3
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here