Cover image Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy

Predictors of treatment success of psychotherapy in functional disorders

A systematic review of the literature

Caroline Rometsch, Alexandra Martin, & Fiammetta Cosci 

Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy (2025)

  • Clinical Study, Research Translation

Key Takeaways

  • Talk therapy can significantly help people with Functional Disorders (FD).  
  • Knowing which symptoms affect the therapy outcome can personalize care.  
  • Mental health challenges like anxiety or depression impact therapy results.  
  • Therapists can use these findings to tailor treatments for better outcomes.  
  • More research is needed to refine personalized therapy strategies. 

Overview

This article summarizes research examining what influences the success of psychotherapy for Functional Disorders (FD). These disorders cover a range of symptoms that don’t have a clear medical cause, such as those found in Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). The study looked at various psychotherapies to find factors that predict successful outcomes, hoping to make treatment more effective for those living with FND.

Discussion

The researchers reviewed data from 24 studies involving 3,382 participants, focusing on the success predictors of various therapies for FD. They investigated different types of therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based therapies.

Key insights include:

  • CBT is the most common therapy used, showing moderate to large benefits.
  • Pain severity and mental health issues, like depression or anxiety, often predicted the success of therapy.
  • Symptom severity was a consistent predictor across all studies.

Improvements in therapy outcomes depended on factors like initial symptom severity and the presence of co-occurring mental health conditions. Despite these findings, the researchers noted limitations, such as the need for more personalized therapy approaches.

Next Steps

If you have FND, here are some steps you might consider:

  • Discuss potential therapy options tailored to your symptom severity with your therapist.
  • Talk to your healthcare provider about how mental health conditions like anxiety might impact treatment.
  • Use symptom-tracking to see if certain therapies are working well for you.
  • Connect with community support groups for shared experiences and advice.
  • Remember, therapy is a journey, and you’re not alone in navigating it.

Reference

Rometsch C, Martin A, Cosci F. Predictors of treatment success of psychotherapy in functional disorders: A systematic review of the literature. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy. 2025;32:e70075. doi:10.1002/cpp.70075  

https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.70075

This summary is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, financial, or legal advice. It is not intended to replace professional consultation or treatment. Always consult qualified healthcare providers regarding your specific circumstances, symptoms, or questions.

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