Intervention for cognitive difficulties in Functional Cognitive Disorder

Wolstencroft, Hayley A. (2024). Intervention for cognitive difficulties in Functional Cognitive Disorder. University of Birmingham. Clin.Psy.D.

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Abstract

Functional neurological disorders (FND) are conditions that present as neurobehavioural functional alterations in the central nervous system despite no known organic cause. Cognitive difficulties are one of many varied presentations of the condition, collectively termed functional cognitive disorders (FCD). These may present as difficulties with attention, memory, processing speed and executive functioning, without evidence of brain injury or neurodegeneration.
The purpose of the systematic literature review was to a) understand the context around FND presentations and the neuropsychosocial mechanisms behind FCD, and b) formulate hypotheses of the most effective treatment components for managing symptoms of FCD. A systematic search of empirical literature revealed that interventions are in their infancy, meaning that no conclusions could be established. Nevertheless, the review provided a framework for future research.
The empirical research paper investigated the efficacy of a mindfulness-based intervention for managing the experiences of FCD, designed to address the emotion regulation, behavioural activation, metacognitive evaluations, and executive control elements underpinning FCD, as hypothesised from the systematic literature review. The mindful awareness, psychological wellbeing, and cognitive performance of thirteen people with FCD were measured before and after mindfulness training. Statistical analyses showed that trait-mindful abilities improved, as well as correlational associations between mindful awareness and psychological wellbeing and attentional performance. These findings support the hypothesised treatment components as well as the use of mindfulness-based interventions in the management of FCD, supporting both clinical application in healthcare settings and the empirical literature. Future research should focus on the development of treatment guidelines.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Clin.Psy.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Clin.Psy.D.

Supervisor(s):