Retraining and Control Therapy (ReACT) R33 Phase

ReACT is a novel cognitive behavioral treatment and is a PNES intervention that targets sense of control and catastrophic symptom expectations. ReACT consists of 12 sessions of therapy focused on teaching adolescents to regain control of their body through managing thoughts and behaviors that reinforce the PNES and return to previous activities. It teaches parents how to respond to PNES in a manner that encourages the adolescents to regain control of their body. The PNES is explained as behaviors learned through classical and operant conditioning.

The supportive therapy treatment consists of 12 sessions of therapy focused on discussing daily difficulties and/or stressors they experience and identifying stress triggers for PNES. The PNES is explained as physical manifestations of psychological stress.