Can a therapist's virtual hand-holding make online therapy for unexplained symptoms more effective?
NCT ID NCT06301360
First seen Jul 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 28, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial compares two versions of an internet-based emotional awareness and expression therapy (I-EAET) for people with functional somatic disorder—a condition where physical symptoms like chronic pain or fatigue have no clear medical cause. One group gets weekly written feedback from a therapist; the other works through the program on their own with only technical support. The study asks whether having a therapist's guidance leads to greater relief from symptoms like pain, fatigue, and anxiety.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- internet-based Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (I-EAET) with or without therapist support
- What this could lead to
- If therapist support proves more effective, it could point toward a scalable, low-cost treatment for functional somatic disorders that reduces doctor visits and improves patient satisfaction.
- What could go wrong
- This is a relatively small trial (150 participants) comparing two versions of the same therapy, so any difference may be modest. The therapy requires emotional engagement, which may not suit everyone.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Stockholm University
Stockholm, Stockholm County, 10691, Sweden
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Stockholm University
Stockholm, 11419, Sweden
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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