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Working with functional neurological disorder: current diagnostic and treatment approaches

Presenters: Vance Locke and Rowan Pearce

UWA, Western Kids Health & Western Kids Health

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***SOLD OUT***

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a condition that psychologists are increasingly being asked to treat. However, we face challenges in dealing with FND as the literature on this condition has moved rapidly over the past 20 years and understanding of the condition has changed dramatically.

The purpose of this talk is to bring clinicians up to date on the current diagnostic methods, explanations, and treatment approaches to FND. The talk will also discuss how collaborative work with a physiotherapist and other allied health practitioners can increase the chance of treatment success.

FND is a condition that has often been a diagnosis made by exclusion – not psychological and not neurological. This perceived ambiguity has been reflected in a lack of clear explanations of FND and associated treatment approaches. However, recent advances have shown clear positive symptoms of FND that can be used to make positive diagnoses in many cases – and clearer models of the processes underlying FND providing new targets for treatment.

In this presentation we will discuss and demonstrate some of the diagnostic signs of FND derived from recent evidence and our clinical experience. We will also explore some of the metaphors and models (depending on the presentation) you can use to educate clients about FND, and some of the formulation approaches that can be usefully employed to get clients ‘on-board’ with treatment. Finally, we will discuss some of the treatment approaches that are available, as well as the importance of involving the family when treating FND in children. Case studies will be used to show some of the successes and pitfalls we’ve encountered when working with FND.

About this event:

This masterclass will include didactic content, video examples, care examples and face-to-face demonstrations.

Key Learning Objectives

1. Increased familiarity with current evidence for diagnosing FND.
2. Awareness of the models and formulations that can be applied to FND
3. Awareness of the psychological treatments that are available for FND.

This session is suitable for all levels of clinicians/ therapists.

Duration & Format / Training Modalities

The format will be a 2-hour masterclass (plus a morning tea break), including didactic content, video examples, care examples and face-to-face demonstrations.

Doors open at 9am for a 10am start, and the expected finish is 12:30pm.

References – readings

1. Gutkin M, McLean L, Brown R, et al. (2021). Systematic review of psychotherapy for adults with functional neurological disorder. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry; 92, 36-44.
2. Aybek, S., & Perez, D. L. (2022). Diagnosis and management of functional neurological disorder. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 376, o64.
3. Lidstone, S. C., Nassif, W., Juncos, J., Factor, S. A., & Lang, A. E. (2020). Diagnosing functional neurological disorder: seeing the whole picture. CNS spectrums, 1–8. Advance online publication.
4. Kozlowska, K., Chudleigh, C., Savage, B., Hawkes, C., Scher, S., & Nunn, K. P. (2023). Evidence-Based Mind-Body Interventions for Children and Adolescents with Functional Neurological Disorder. Harvard review of psychiatry, 31(2), 60–82.
5. Patron VG, Rustomji Y, Yip C, Jenkins LM. Psychiatric Comorbidities in Functional Neurologic Symptom Disorder. Pract Neurol (Fort Wash Pa). 2022 Mar-Apr;21(3):71-75.

AACBT student members have free tickets, but MUST book to reserve their place.

Non-members can join now and gain all of the other advantages of AACBT Membership!

There are no early bird rates for this event and please note that there are no door sales possible.

Please contact info@aacbt.org.au for more information.

COVID Safety:

Please note, the venue will be following all relevant Public Health Orders and checking delegates as per their obligations. Density, and mask requirements will be in line with relevant government guidelines. As per all events, please do not attend if you are unwell.

If you are required to cancel your attendance owing to a COVID isolation, please contact us for a full refund or ticket transfer.

Images: supplied