Cognitive Rehabilitation for Nonepileptic Seizures
(CRVWP Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to assist Veterans with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES), a condition causing real seizures without the electrical disruptions seen in epilepsy. The focus is on Cognitive Rehabilitation And Functional Treatment (CRAFT), which uses brain training exercises to enhance thinking skills and daily life. The trial will develop and test a workbook designed to boost cognitive function, gathering feedback from Veterans for improvement. Veterans diagnosed with PNES who experience thinking difficulties might be suitable candidates. Participants need access to a computer and the internet to join. As an unphased trial, this study offers Veterans a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative treatment development and potentially enhance their cognitive skills.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
What prior data suggests that this cognitive rehabilitation protocol is safe for Veterans with PNES?
Research has shown that cognitive rehabilitation, a treatment similar to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), yields promising results for people with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES). In previous studies, patients who received CBT experienced fewer seizures. For example, one study found that 16 out of 21 patients had a 50% reduction in their seizures.
Another study examined 50 patients who reported improvements after CBT. These findings suggest that cognitive treatments are generally well-tolerated and may help reduce the number of seizures. While these results are encouraging, it is important to note that this specific cognitive rehabilitation treatment is still under investigation. So far, similar therapies have not reported major harmful effects, which is a positive sign for safety.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Cognitive Rehabilitation And Functional Treatment (CRAFT) is unique because it directly addresses the cognitive and functional challenges faced by individuals with nonepileptic seizures, rather than just focusing on symptomatic relief. Traditional treatments often revolve around psychotherapy and medication to manage stress and anxiety. However, CRAFT introduces a rehabilitative approach that aims to improve cognitive skills and daily functioning, potentially offering a more holistic and sustainable solution. Researchers are excited about this treatment because it could fill a gap in care by enhancing patients' quality of life through targeted cognitive interventions.
What evidence suggests that this cognitive rehabilitation treatment is effective for nonepileptic seizures?
Research has shown that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can reduce the number of seizures in people with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES). In one study, about half of the patients who received CBT experienced a reduction in seizures by at least half. This trial will test the CRAFT method, a cognitive rehabilitation approach that has shown promise in helping Veterans with similar brain-related disorders improve their daily lives. These findings suggest that treatments focusing on thinking and behavior issues in PNES could greatly enhance patients' quality of life.12678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Ryan A Van Patten, PhD
Principal Investigator
Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, RI
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for veterans with a condition called PNES, where they experience seizures that aren't caused by epilepsy. Participants should have cognitive issues related to their condition and be interested in improving daily functioning.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Cognitive Intervention Development
Development of a telehealth-based cognitive rehabilitation workbook informed by feedback from Veterans and treatment providers
Pilot Testing
Pilot test the cognitive rehabilitation intervention in a single arm trial with Veterans
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after the intervention
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Cognitive Rehabilitation And Functional Treatment (CRAFT)
Trial Overview
The study tests a new approach called Cognitive Rehabilitation And Functional Treatment (CRAFT). It involves using a workbook designed with veteran input to improve thinking skills and day-to-day abilities.
How Is the Trial Designed?
1
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Single arm of pilot trial testing the cognitive rehabilitation intervention
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
VA Office of Research and Development
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for psychogenic nonepileptic ...
Our findings suggest that cognitive-behavioral therapy is more effective than standard medical care alone in reducing seizure frequency in PNES patients.
outcomes of patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures ...
We conducted a retrospective chart review of 50 patients who received CBT for PNES to determine self-reported non-epileptic seizure (NES) ...
3.
cureepilepsy.org
cureepilepsy.org/news/outcomes-in-the-treatment-of-psychogenic-nonepileptic-seizures-pnes-with-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-informed-psychotherapy/Outcomes in the Treatment of Psychogenic Nonepileptic ...
For seizure frequency, 10 patients had data for “seizures per day in the last 6 months” and 5 participants (50%) improved by 50% or more in the ...
Cognitive Rehabilitation for Veterans With PNES
Cognitive re-habilitation improves daily functioning in Veterans with related neuropsychiatric disorders and has a high chance of success in ...
Treatment of Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures
A meta‐analytic review of the effectiveness of psychological treatment of functional/dissociative seizures on non‐seizure outcomes in adults. Article. Full ...
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in Psychogenic Non- ...
In this study, 16 out of 21 patients experienced a 50% reduction in seizures, and 11 out of 17 were seizure free at the end of treatment, with ...
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in Adults with Psychogenic ...
Outcomes in the treatment of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) with CBTip: Response in seizure frequency, depression, anxiety, and ...
8.
cureepilepsy.org
cureepilepsy.org/news/cognitive-behavioral-therapy-reduces-the-impact-of-dissociative-seizures/Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Reduces the Impact of ...
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) gives patients with dissociative seizures longer periods of seizure freedom, less bothersome seizures, ...
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