This conceptual synthesis proposes psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) as a potential treatment for functional seizures (FS), a subtype of functional neurological disorder (FND). Drawing on empirical evidence and complexity science, the argument is constructed for the potential efficacy of PAT in treating FS, highlighting FS as a cohort to investigate neural mechanisms of PAT. The synthesis also outlines a novel analytic roadmap to identify markers of FS diagnostic specificity and treatment success, aiming to bridge clinical neurology with psychedelic medicine and establish a new field of psychedelic neurology.
Abstract of Exploring psychedelic-assisted therapy in the treatment of functional seizures: A review of underlying mechanisms and associated brain networks
“Functional seizures (FS), the most common subtype of functional neurological disorder (FND), cause serious neurological disability and significantly impact quality of life. Characterized by episodic disturbances of functioning that resemble epileptic seizures, FS coincide with multiple comorbidities and are treated poorly by existing approaches. Novel treatment approaches are sorely needed. Notably, mounting evidence supports the safety and efficacy of psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) for several psychiatric conditions, motivating investigations into whether this efficacy also extends to neurological disorders. Here, we synthesize past empirical findings and frameworks to construct a biopsychosocial mechanistic argument for the potential of PAT as a treatment for FS. In doing so, we highlight FS as a well-defined cohort to further understand the large-scale neural mechanisms underpinning PAT. Our synthesis is guided by a complexity science perspective which we contend can afford unique mechanistic insight into both FS and PAT, as well as help bridge these two domains. We also leverage this perspective to propose a novel analytic roadmap to identify markers of FS diagnostic specificity and treatment success. This endeavor continues the effort to bridge clinical neurology with psychedelic medicine and helps pave the way for a new field of psychedelic neurology.”
Authors: Evan Cole Lewis, Alexandria Jaeger, Manesh Girn, Egiroh Omene, Madeline Brendle & Elena Argento
Summary of Exploring psychedelic-assisted therapy in the treatment of functional seizures: A review of underlying mechanisms and associated brain networks
Introduction
Functional neurological disorders (FND) are common in neurology clinics, and impose a substantial economic burden on healthcare systems. FS are characterized by episodic disturbances of normal functioning and reduced self-control that manifest in events with similarities to epileptic seizures.
FS presents a challenge due to the absence of consistent diagnostic and treatment approaches, and the lack of a standardized care pathway. Psychological interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-informed psychotherapy, are considered first-line treatment, but supportive evidence remains limited.
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https://doi.org/10.1177/02698811241248395
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Lewis, E. C., Jaeger, A., Girn, M., Omene, E., Brendle, M., & Argento, E. (2024). Exploring psychedelic-assisted therapy in the treatment of functional seizures: A review of underlying mechanisms and associated brain networks. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 02698811241248395.