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Psilocybin-assisted physiotherapy for refractory motor functional neurological disorder: protocol for a randomised
Chiranth Bhagavan1, Alexander Bryson2,3,4, Olivia Carter5
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbournehttps://ror.org/01ej9dk98, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia.
Acta Neuropsychiatrica
|November 4, 2025
Summary
This study explores psilocybin-assisted physiotherapy for motor functional neurological disorder (FND). It compares a moderate dose with movement tasks to a standard dose, assessing tolerability and feasibility for refractory FND patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Motor functional neurological disorder (FND) causes significant impairment with no effective pharmacotherapies.
- Current physiotherapy approaches offer limited long-term relief for many FND patients.
- Combining psychedelics with physiotherapy is theoretically promising but unstudied for motor FND.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the tolerability and feasibility of psilocybin-assisted physiotherapy for refractory motor FND.
- To compare two distinct psilocybin treatment regimens: moderate dose with movement tasks versus standard dose alone.
- To lay the groundwork for a future randomized controlled trial in motor FND.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial protocol involving 24 participants with refractory motor FND.
- Two arms: 15mg psilocybin with movement tasks during acute effects vs. 25mg psilocybin alone.
- Comprehensive assessments including motor function, psychiatric symptoms, quality of life, and neuroimaging.
Main Results:
- The study protocol is designed to assess tolerability and feasibility of psilocybin-assisted physiotherapy.
- Outcome measures include motor FND severity, psychiatric symptoms, quality of life, and brain imaging.
- Data will inform the optimal treatment model for psilocybin in motor FND.
Conclusions:
- Findings will guide the design of a powered randomized controlled trial for motor FND.
- Results may inform the potential of psychedelic treatments for related functional and neuropsychiatric disorders.
- This research pioneers the investigation of psilocybin-assisted physiotherapy in refractory motor FND.
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