New therapy aims to retrain the brain to stop fake seizures

NCT ID NCT06007053

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests a new cognitive behavioral therapy called ReACT for teens aged 11-18 with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) – episodes that look like seizures but are not caused by epilepsy. The therapy focuses on helping teens regain a sense of control over their body and reduce catastrophic thoughts about symptoms. 160 participants will receive either ReACT or supportive therapy over 12 sessions, and researchers will measure changes in seizure frequency, pain tolerance, and stress responses up to 12 months after treatment.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

cognitive behavioral therapy (ReACT)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could provide an effective non-drug treatment for pediatric psychogenic non-epileptic seizures, helping teens regain control and reduce seizure frequency.

What could go wrong

This is a relatively small, early-stage study (160 participants) comparing ReACT to supportive therapy. The treatment is behavioral, so results may vary, and long-term benefits are not yet proven.

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 visual epilepsy

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • University of Alabama at Birmingham

    RECRUITING

    Birmingham, Alabama, 35294, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••