Mindfulness-based stress reduction for functional neurological disorder: A feasibility study.
Rosa Michaelis, Jörg Meibert, Nicole Alimov, Christoph Kleinschnitz, Stoyan Popkirov
Journal of Psychosomatic Research May 1, 2026 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2026.112581 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Single-arm feasibility study Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 24 |
| Population | German-speaking adults with confirmed functional neurological disorder |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) |
| Duration | 8-week intervention, 3-month follow-up |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Dissociative seizures Functional movement disorder Psychoeducation |
| Key points | MBSR for FND is feasible and well-accepted, with statistically significant improvements in health-related quality of life, functional impairment, depressive symptoms, and symptom count, but not anxiety. |
Abstract
Functional neurological disorder (FND) is common and associated with substantial disability, yet evidence-based treatment options remain limited. Because maladaptive attentional processes are central to FND pathophysiology, mindfulness-based interventions may be beneficial. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) has strong empirical support across physical and mental health conditions, but evidence in FND is sparse. To assess feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary clinical outcomes of MBSR for patients with FND. In this monocentric, single-arm feasibility study, German-speaking adults with confirmed FND were recruited from a specialized outpatient clinic. Participants completed an 8-week standardized MBSR program across three course cycles (two in-person, one online). Primary outcomes included recruitment, retention, attendance, and self-reported home practice; acceptability was assessed via recommendation likelihood. Secondary outcomes included health-related quality of life (WHODAS 2.0), functional impairment (WSAS), depressive (PHQ-9) and anxiety symptoms (GAD-7), and FND symptom burden (FNSQ). Assessments occurred at baseline, post-intervention, and three-month follow-up. Of 57 eligible patients, 24 enrolled (42%); 22 completed the course (92%). Recommendation likelihood was high. Statistically significant pre-post improvements were observed in WHODAS 2.0 (d = -0.56) and WSAS (d = -0.67), with comparable values at three-month follow-up. Post-intervention PHQ-9 scores improved (d = -0.75), FNSQ symptom count decreased (d = -0.68), whereas GAD-7 changes were nonsignificant. Online delivery demonstrated particularly strong adherence without dropouts. MBSR for FND is feasible and well-accepted. A randomized controlled trial is warranted to determine efficacy. Future research could serve as a model for transforming patient-centered care in the digital era. German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00034806).
Comparable studies
Other non-randomized and open-label trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in Relation to Quality of Life, Mood, Symptoms of Stress, and Immune Parameters in Breast and Prostate Cancer Outpatients Early-stage breast and prostate cancer patients | 2003 | Pre-post intervention study | n = 59 |
| Exploring self‐compassion and empathy in the context of mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) Community sample | 2010 | Pre-post intervention study | |
| Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Lowers Psychological Distress In Medical Students Second-year medical students | 2003 | Prospective nonrandomized cohort-controlled study | n = 302 |
| Intensive meditation training, immune cell telomerase activity, and psychological mediators. Retreat participants and matched controls | 2011 | Controlled trial with wait-list control group | n = 60 |
| The Effectiveness of Mindfulness Training for Children with ADHD and Mindful Parenting for their Parents Children aged 8-12 with ADHD and their parents | 2011 | Within-group waitlist controlled trial | n = 22 |
Citations in the library
Cites 5
- Mindfulness-Based and Mindfulness-Informed Interventions at the Workplace: A Systematic Review and Meta-Regression Analysis of RCTs. Mindfulness May 11, 2023
- New Evidence in the Booming Field of Online Mindfulness: An Updated Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials JMIR Mental Health February 23, 2021
- Mindfulness-based therapy for psychogenic nonepileptic seizures. Epilepsy & Behavior February 1, 2020
- Mindfulness-based stress reduction and health benefits. A meta-analysis. Journal of Psychosomatic Research July 1, 2004
- An outpatient program in behavioral medicine for chronic pain patients based on the practice of mindfulness meditation: theoretical considerations and preliminary results. General Hospital Psychiatry April 1, 1982