Mindfulness-based stress reduction for functional neurological disorder: A feasibility study.
Rosa Michaelis1, Jörg Meibert2, Nicole Alimov3
1Department of Neurology and Centre for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Medicine Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany; Department of Neurology, University Hospital Knappschaft Kliniken Bochum, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany; Faculty of Health, University Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany.
Journal of Psychosomatic Research
|February 13, 2026
Summary
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a feasible and acceptable intervention for Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), showing improvements in quality of life and functional impairment. Further trials are needed to confirm its efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
- Mind-Body Interventions
Background:
- Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) presents significant disability with limited evidence-based treatments.
- Maladaptive attentional processes are implicated in FND pathophysiology, suggesting mindfulness interventions may be beneficial.
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is well-supported for various conditions, but its use in FND is understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of an 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program for adults with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND).
- To assess preliminary clinical outcomes, including quality of life, functional impairment, and symptom burden, following MBSR intervention in FND patients.
Main Methods:
- A monocentric, single-arm feasibility study involving German-speaking adults diagnosed with FND.
- Participants completed a standardized 8-week MBSR program (in-person and online formats).
- Feasibility assessed via recruitment, retention, and attendance; acceptability via recommendation likelihood; clinical outcomes via validated scales (WHODAS 2.0, WSAS, PHQ-9, GAD-7, FNSQ).
Main Results:
- The study enrolled 24 of 57 eligible patients (42% enrollment), with high retention (92%) and acceptability.
- Significant improvements were observed in health-related quality of life (WHODAS 2.0) and functional impairment (WSAS) post-intervention and at follow-up.
- Reductions in depressive symptoms (PHQ-9) and FND symptom count (FNSQ) were noted, while anxiety (GAD-7) changes were not significant. Online delivery showed excellent adherence.
Conclusions:
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a feasible and well-accepted intervention for patients with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND).
- Preliminary results indicate potential benefits for quality of life and functional impairment.
- A randomized controlled trial is recommended to establish the efficacy of MBSR for FND, potentially serving as a model for digital health delivery.
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