Interoception, emotional regulation, and yoga in Functional Neurological Disorder: a psychological perspective

Abstract

This thesis explored the role of interoception and emotional regulation in Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) and adds to emerging evidence of yoga as an intervention for this disorder.
Chapter 1 introduces FND, a condition characterised by symptoms without identifiable physical pathology and discusses the potential of yoga to address interoception and emotional regulation in FND. It details the need for interventions that stretch beyond traditional approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy by exploring yoga interventions.
Chapter 2 presents a systematic review examining the association of interoception in adult FND and Somatic Symptoms and Related Disorders (SSRD). The review synthesises evidence from seven studies, finding interoception is frequently impaired in FND and SSRD, with the impairment presenting differently across interoceptive domains (accuracy, awareness, and sensibility).
Chapter 3 details an original empirical research study investigating a chair-based yoga intervention (INERGY) designed to foster interoception and emotional regulation in adult FND. The study explores protocol feasibility and acceptability, utilising a single-case experimental design. Five participants were included in analysis, with results providing preliminary evidence for the potential of yoga interventions for improving interoception and emotional regulation in FND. Drawing on the yoga philosophy ahimsa, the intervention extended beyond focus on symptom reduction by fostering a shift in responses to symptoms and encouraging a more compassionate and accepting response.
Overall, the thesis contributes to the understanding of interoceptive and emotional regulation mechanisms underlying FND symptomology and provides initial support for yoga as intervention approach for this disorder.

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Identifiers

ORCID for Alessa Werson: orcid.org/0000-0001-9137-6983

ORCID for Alison Bennetts: orcid.org/0000-0003-2461-7868

ORCID for Warren Dunger: orcid.org/0000-0002-3213-5175

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