Exploring whether interoceptive mechanisms gate treatment response in functional neurological disorder

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a common and disabling condition characterised by neurological symptoms (e.g., seizures, movement difficulties, weakness) that are not explained by structural disease. Although specialist treatments exist, outcomes remain variable, and there is a pressing need to better understand the mechanisms that drive symptom expression and treatment response.

Interoception—the perception and interpretation of internal bodily signals—has been proposed as a key mechanism in FND. However, existing findings are mixed, partly due to the use of limited measures and the tendency to group patients by symptoms rather than underlying mechanisms. This project will take a comprehensive, mechanism-focused approach to understanding interoception in FND.

The successful candidate will work with a large battery of cutting-edge interoceptive tasks, developed and validated at Surrey, including behavioural, self-report, and EEG-based measures, alongside matched control tasks. Patients attending a specialist FND clinic will complete detailed interoceptive assessments prior to treatment, followed by symptom tracking using both patient-reported and clinician-rated measures. A week-long experience sampling protocol will capture real-world symptoms and attention to bodily signals.

The project will address three key questions: (1) how interoception differs in FND compared to matched controls; (2) whether interoceptive profiles predict treatment response; and (3) whether these relationships vary depending on how symptoms are measured and on mood and wellbeing.

The PhD offers a unique opportunity to work at the interface of neuroscience, psychology, and clinical practice, with strong links to NHS services and direct patient involvement. The student will receive training in advanced experimental methods (including EEG), clinical research, and translational science, and will be embedded within a highly collaborative and supportive research environment.

This project has strong potential to inform more personalised approaches to treatment and contribute to improving outcomes for individuals with FND.

Open to candidates who pay UK/home rate fees. See UKCISA for further information.

You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements for our PhD programme. Applicants are expected to hold a minimum of an upper second-class (2:1) UK degree (65 per cent or above) in psychology (or a related discipline) and a masters degree in a relevant subject with a pass of 65 per cent or above.

Note, that if you do not hold an MSc but have a strong BSc please email Jennifer.murphy@surrey.ac.uk to discuss before applying.