Could EMDR therapy help calm the Brain's faulty signals?

NCT ID NCT05455450

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether a therapy called EMDR (eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing) could help people with functional neurological disorder (FND), a condition where the brain doesn't send signals properly, causing symptoms like seizures, shaking, or weakness. Fifty adults with FND were randomly assigned to receive either EMDR plus routine care or routine care alone. The goal was to see if a larger trial is possible, not to prove the therapy works yet.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy

What this could lead to

If successful, this could point toward a new psychological treatment option for people with functional neurological disorder, potentially easing symptoms like seizures and weakness.

What could go wrong

This is a very early feasibility study with only 50 participants, not designed to prove effectiveness. The therapy may not work for everyone, and larger trials are needed to confirm any benefit.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

conversion disorder frontonasal dysplasia

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Neuropsychiatry Service

    London, SW170QT, United Kingdom

  • South West London & St George's NHS Trust

    London, SW17 7DJ, United Kingdom