About this Research Topic
This Research Topic focuses on the transformative potential of diverse mind-body techniques to enhance well-being, particularly for individuals with Functional Neurological Disorders (FND). This collection explores the applications and therapeutic benefits of Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation, Neurofeedback, Mindfulness, and Hypnosis, highlighting their roles in addressing complex psychosomatic conditions.
Noninvasive brain Stimulation, including methods such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), can directly modulate brain activity, promoting neuroplasticity and alleviating symptoms like pain, fatigue, and emotional dysregulation. These techniques offer an external means to recalibrate dysfunctional neural circuits, which can be central to FND-related symptoms.
Neurofeedback leverages real-time monitoring of brainwave activity to teach individuals how to self-regulate their brain function. By fostering increased neuroplasticity and encouraging healthier brainwave patterns, Neurofeedback can address underlying neural imbalances associated with FND. For example, alpha brainwave entrainment can induce states of relaxation and emotional balance, directly mitigating stress-related exacerbations of FND symptoms.
Mindfulness practices cultivate present-moment awareness and reduce the habitual reactivity that contributes to emotional dysregulation. Evidence supports its role in enhancing interoceptive awareness and attentional control, which are often impaired in FND. Mindfulness-based interventions provide individuals with tools to manage stress and improve resilience, essential components of mind-body harmony.
Hypnosis offers another powerful avenue for addressing FND symptoms by accessing subconscious processes and fostering profound relaxation. Through guided visualization and suggestion, hypnosis can reframe dysfunctional thought patterns and reduce the emotional intensity of psychosomatic symptoms. It can also enhance the efficacy of other therapeutic approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) by deepening patient engagement and response.
These techniques converge on a common goal: to integrate mind and body through neurocognitive and behavioral alignment. Their complementary nature allows for a holistic approach, often in conjunction with established therapies like CBT, which focuses on modifying maladaptive thought and behavior patterns. Together, these interventions empower patients to regain control over their symptoms, improve quality of life, and foster long-term well-being. This Research Topic invites exploration into the mechanisms, outcomes, and applications of these innovative approaches, aiming to enhance their therapeutic potential for FND and related conditions.
Submissions may include, but are not limited to:
• Non-invasive techniques and neuromodulatory approaches for example those related to mindfulness, and hypnosis.
• Psychogenic seizures and other disorders with a possible psychosomatic origin or
component, such as fibromyalgia.
• The impact of these interventions on neurocognitive mechanisms, including attentional control, executive functions, and memory.
• Observed cognitive and/or behavioral outcomes linked to any of these techniques/strategies to tackle FND, such as changes in avoidance behaviors, coping strategies, and emotional regulation.
• Studies on the general benefits of NF/alpha brain entrainment, including improvements in interoceptive awareness, as standalone interventions or in combination with other cognitive-behavioral interventions.
• Novel applications and integration within cognitive-behavioral frameworks to showcase the relevance and applicability of these interventions.
This Research Topic welcomes researchers to submit original research articles, reviews, meta-analyses, perspectives, and commentaries on these relevant topics, aiming to establish links between neurocognitive mechanisms, behavioral outcomes, and therapeutic applications.
Noninvasive brain Stimulation, including methods such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), can directly modulate brain activity, promoting neuroplasticity and alleviating symptoms like pain, fatigue, and emotional dysregulation. These techniques offer an external means to recalibrate dysfunctional neural circuits, which can be central to FND-related symptoms.
Neurofeedback leverages real-time monitoring of brainwave activity to teach individuals how to self-regulate their brain function. By fostering increased neuroplasticity and encouraging healthier brainwave patterns, Neurofeedback can address underlying neural imbalances associated with FND. For example, alpha brainwave entrainment can induce states of relaxation and emotional balance, directly mitigating stress-related exacerbations of FND symptoms.
Mindfulness practices cultivate present-moment awareness and reduce the habitual reactivity that contributes to emotional dysregulation. Evidence supports its role in enhancing interoceptive awareness and attentional control, which are often impaired in FND. Mindfulness-based interventions provide individuals with tools to manage stress and improve resilience, essential components of mind-body harmony.
Hypnosis offers another powerful avenue for addressing FND symptoms by accessing subconscious processes and fostering profound relaxation. Through guided visualization and suggestion, hypnosis can reframe dysfunctional thought patterns and reduce the emotional intensity of psychosomatic symptoms. It can also enhance the efficacy of other therapeutic approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) by deepening patient engagement and response.
These techniques converge on a common goal: to integrate mind and body through neurocognitive and behavioral alignment. Their complementary nature allows for a holistic approach, often in conjunction with established therapies like CBT, which focuses on modifying maladaptive thought and behavior patterns. Together, these interventions empower patients to regain control over their symptoms, improve quality of life, and foster long-term well-being. This Research Topic invites exploration into the mechanisms, outcomes, and applications of these innovative approaches, aiming to enhance their therapeutic potential for FND and related conditions.
Submissions may include, but are not limited to:
• Non-invasive techniques and neuromodulatory approaches for example those related to mindfulness, and hypnosis.
• Psychogenic seizures and other disorders with a possible psychosomatic origin or
component, such as fibromyalgia.
• The impact of these interventions on neurocognitive mechanisms, including attentional control, executive functions, and memory.
• Observed cognitive and/or behavioral outcomes linked to any of these techniques/strategies to tackle FND, such as changes in avoidance behaviors, coping strategies, and emotional regulation.
• Studies on the general benefits of NF/alpha brain entrainment, including improvements in interoceptive awareness, as standalone interventions or in combination with other cognitive-behavioral interventions.
• Novel applications and integration within cognitive-behavioral frameworks to showcase the relevance and applicability of these interventions.
This Research Topic welcomes researchers to submit original research articles, reviews, meta-analyses, perspectives, and commentaries on these relevant topics, aiming to establish links between neurocognitive mechanisms, behavioral outcomes, and therapeutic applications.
Keywords: Psychosomatic disorder(s), functional neurological disorder(s), psychogenic disorder(s), conversion disorder(s), psychogenic seizures, interoception, neurofeedback, alpha brain entrainment
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
