Treatment Trial for Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures (NES treatment)

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, part of the National Institutes of Health, is looking for individuals to participate in clinical studies. Participating in clinical research allows you to play an active role in developing future treatments for many disorders of the brain and nervous system. The information below is designed to help you quickly learn about actively recruiting research studies for which you or someone you know may be eligible.

Description:

This is a pilot, prospective, multi-center, randomized controlled trial, that assesses the number of NES in patients treated with either flexible dose sertraline (Zoloft), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), combined therapy (sertraline + CBT) or community care (treatment as usual TAU). This study will provide outcomes data and the effect size necessary for a future R01, multi-center randomized control trial. Secondary objective variables include reduction in depression, anxiety, impulsivity scores, and improvement in psychosocial functioning.

After being diagnosed with NES by video EEG monitoring (vEEG), up to 40 participants will be enrolled and monitored during a two week lead in period for their baseline NES and psychosocial symptoms and functioning. At week 2, they will be randomized to either: flexible dose sertraline (25 to 200mg), CBT, CBT+med, or to the control arm, TAU. Participants randomized to the sertraline arm will be titrated over 6 weeks up to 200mg or to dose limited by side effects. The subjects will stay on their maximum fixed dose for the next 4 weeks. At week 10, the subjects may elect to remain on the sertraline or they can taper off the medication over the final two weeks of the treatment trial. Those randomized to the CBT arm will receive 12 weekly sessions of CBT for NES. Those randomized to the CBT+med arm will receive both treatments. Those randomized to the TAU arm will follow with their treatment providers.

After the treatment trial, the subjects will have follow up phone calls at month 4, 8, and 12 after enrollment to assess seizure status, medication usage, and global functioning.

Upon enrollment, subjects will be evaluated with a structured psychiatric and neurological exam, and with bi-weekly, 30 to 60 minute appointments where they will complete symptom and function scales. They will keep a seizure diary to evaluate their daily seizure activity.

Phase: 

Phase 4

Eligibility Criteria:

Please follow this link for trial eligibility information to share with your doctor.

Study Design: 

Interventional, Purpose: Treatment

Study Locations: 

Multiple US Locations

For more information:

Contact: W. Curt LaFrance Jr., M.D;
Visit:  http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00835627?term=conversion+disorder&rank=5

Last Reviewed January 3, 2013