Exploring the processes involved in psychological therapy for FND- V2
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A qualitative exploration of the processes involved in Psychological Therapy for Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)
IRAS ID
288661
Contact name
Gabrielle Scallon
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 1 days
Research summary
Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a condition where people experience physical symptoms usually associated with neurological conditions such as tremors, limb weakness, paralysis, seizures, as well as cognitive and sensory impairments but which cannot be explained by the presence of known neurological damage or disease. FND can be severely disabling, long-standing and impact on people’s quality of life. There is a lot yet to be understood about FND and treatment options are often limited. For some people with FND, psychological therapy can be a helpful form of treatment. However, evidence for the effectiveness of therapies like Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Psychodynamic psychotherapies is mixed and limited. Despite there being different views on how psychological therapy may be helpful, the underlying processes involved are not fully understood. The present study aims to better understand psychological therapy for FND by interviewing people who have recently completed psychological therapy themselves. It is hoped that the insight of people who have explored their condition through psychological therapy will shed light on current theoretical understanding of the condition and the role of psychological treatment. Interviews will be conducted with people who have recently completed psychological therapy for FND. People will be recruited from services specialised in providing psychological therapy for people with FND. The interviews will ask people about their understanding of their condition, if/how things have changed for them, and the factors that have influenced their therapy outcomes. Themes that emerge from these interviews will be analysed in an attempt to explain how, when, and why psychological therapy may be helpful, and indeed when it may not be.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/NW/0235
Date of REC Opinion
18 Oct 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion