Not all seizures are the same Functional seizures have psychological causes, such as stress or trauma, in contrast to the neurological causes of epilepsy. Anxiety, depression, and PTSD can set off functional seizure episodes, though researchers also believe disruptions in the brain areas responsible for emotional regulation and stress could play a factor. - Complex causes Roughly two or three people out of 10,000 experience functional seizures. However, since functional seizures have complex causes, they are tricky to treat. Therapy helps some patients but not others, and anti-seizure medications usually aren’t effective. - New potential treatments Researchers believe that psychedelic-assisted therapy might help functional seizure patients who struggled with other treatments. Clinical trials have shown that psychedelic-assisted therapy can lead to lasting therapeutic benefits after just a few sessions. - Neuroplasticity for the win Psychedelics can influence brain network connectivity and help link parts of the brain that don’t usually communicate with each other — like a reset button for wonky neural circuits. They also enhance neuroplasticity and promote new ways of thinking and engaging with the world. - Better understanding By examining how different brain regions work together, we can better understand how brain functions (and dysfunctions) change and adapt. More research is needed to see how psychedelic-assisted therapy could help treat the underlying psychological causes of functional seizures.