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2025 Volume 5, Number 2
FND Society’s Course on Functional/Dissociative Seizures and Epilepsy Makes Major Impact
With both in-person and virtual audience participants, the “Functional Seizures and Epilepsy: Cutting Edge Diagnostics, Biology and Management” course brought together FNDS members and prospective members from several countries. Mahinda Yogarajah, PhD, and Barbara Dworetzky, MD, served as course directors, along with multiple expert speakers who shared advances in clinical assessment, pathophysiology, and collaborative treatment approaches for individuals living with epilepsy, functional seizures, or both.
Pictured left to right: Raquel Lopez, MD, W. Curt LaFrance, MD, MPH, Gaston Baslet, MD, Chadrick Lane, MD, Mahinda Yogarajah, MBBS, PhD, Barbara Dworetzky, MD, Wesley Kerr, MD, PhD, Dara Albert, DO, MEd, and Aaron Fobian, PhD
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Sara Finkelstein, MD, provides a practical approach to assessing paroxysmal neurological symptoms.
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Meagan Watson, MPH, MBA, dives into the planning and implementation of FND programs within healthcare systems.
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Raquel Lopez, MD, and Ika Noviawaty, MD, reveal how empathic listening is a road to improving clinical outcomes.
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Claus Reinsberger, MD, PhD, uses interactive clinical cases to help discern functional seizures, epileptic seizures, and seizure mimics.
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Michael Sperling, MD, details cutting-edge techniques used in making an accurate diagnosis.
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Jon Stone, MBChB, MRCP, PhD, and Barbara Dworetzky, MD, welcome participants to the day’s events!
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Laura Strom, MD, shared her team’s journey of building a world-class FND program at the University of Colorado.
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Jerzy Szaflarski, MD, PhD, describes brain network changes in functional seizures with neuroimaging.
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Mark Hallett, MD, opened the course with a brilliant journey through the history of FND, from its earliest written recordings to our modern scientific understanding. Pictured here, Barbara Dworetzky, MD, hosted a gathering during which Dr. Hallett received a book filled with gratitude, photos, and cherished memories from colleagues and mentees. Thank you, Dr. Hallett – you’re the best!
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5-Minute Survey on Functional Seizures and Driving
You are invited to participate in a brief survey examining driving recommendations for patients with functional seizures. Developed by a dedicated study group, this survey seeks to capture the current options of medical providers worldwide on this topic. Please take a moment to share your expertise.
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The American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology (AACN) Highlights FND
FND Society members Dr. Ryan Van Patten, Dr. Erica Cotton, Dr. Kristen Mordecai, and Dr. Emmi Scott presented at the AACN 23rd Annual Meeting hosted in Chicago, IL, June 11 – 14, 2025. Their symposium, “Functional Neurological Disorder: What Neuropsychologists Need to Know,” underscored the essential role neuropsychologists play in recognizing and supporting individuals living with FND, helping to bridge gaps in diagnosis and care. Using clinical experience, emerging research, and real-world tools, they energized the conversation around FND and offered fresh perspectives for neuropsychological practice.
Kristen Mordecai, PhD, Ryan Van Patten, PhD, Erica Cotton, PsyD, Emmi Scott, PhD
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Functional Movement Disorders in Focus at AOPMC: Clinical Insights from Tokyo
At the Asian and Oceanian Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Congress (AOPMC), held March 21–23, 2025, in Tokyo, Japan, Dr. Jung E. Park and Dr. Zhi-ying Wu presented an engaging session titled “Episodic, Paroxysmal, and Functional Movement Disorders.” They explored the clinical presentation, electrophysiological features, and treatment strategies for functional movement disorders, with a focus on distinguishing them from other episodic motor conditions. The session reflected the broader mission of AOPMC and the MDS-AOS: to share updated knowledge, foster collaboration, and strengthen clinical expertise in movement disorders across the region.
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Matthew Burke, MD, Barbara Dworetzky, MD, David Perez, MD, MMSc
The American Academy of Neurology held its annual meeting this past April in San Diego, California. To a standing room only, Barbara Dworetzky, MD, Matthew Burke, MD, and David Perez, MD, MMSc delivered their course titled, “Functional Neurological Disorder: Truths, Myths, and Misunderstandings,” which was met with much audience enthusiasm in the Q&A. Topics covered included the role of the neurologist in diagnosing and treating functional/dissociative seizures, the intersection of FND and persistent symptoms after concussion, and challenging brain-mind dualism through the lens of FND pathophysiology.
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FND- Language Matters, New Zealand’s First FND Symposium
by Dr. Shelley Dawson and Dr. Eloise Watson
Shelley Dawson, PhD, Eloise Watson, MBChB, Emma Davies
The first FND symposium in New Zealand was held on the June 30, 2025, in Wellington at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. Generously supported by the Neurological Foundation New Zealand, the FND Language Matters Symposium brought together people living with FND, caregivers, clinicians, and researchers to share knowledge, challenge stigma, and enhance interdisciplinary collaboration and communication around FND. The need for a multidisciplinary approach to FND was evident, with those living with FND being joined by physiotherapists, neurologists, neurophysiologists, nurses, paediatricians, OTs, psychologists, psychiatrists, social science researchers, and PhD students. Connections and conversations were an important part of the day!
Alex Lehn, MD
The program reflected our collaborative aims, featuring powerful and insightful talks on lived experience, including from a Māori perspective, a discussion on FND stigma from a sociolinguistic lens, a presentation from a local multidisciplinary FND treatment team outlining their experience implementing theory into practice, and short talks showcasing FND research.
We were delighted to host respected neurologist Associate Professor Alex Lehn as our keynote presenter, who spoke compellingly and informatively in his talk, titled: Changing the FND narrative: What we can learn from listening to people with FND. Alex’s warmth, empathy, and deep knowledge of FND were an excellent fit for our local context and goals of building bridges.
Dr. Filipo Katavake-McGrath
Two parallel sessions were held in the afternoon, the first of which was a practical mini FND Masterclass workshop run by Alex for health care professionals. The second was a workshop for people with FND designed to share experiences of FND communication and care, with overarching goals of validation, creating support networks, and thinking about language and communication as tools for empowerment.
In sum, the day was an impactful first step in working together to improve the experience, care, and opportunity for recovery for people affected by FND in Aotearoa New Zealand. The following feedback from an attendee living with FND captures just how meaningful the day was for many: "It's taken until today for my brain to recover, and it was all worth it. I found the day so powerful. The community of voices sharing lived experience, research, and good care was such a powerful mix, and I've come away feeling so supported, validated, educated, and safe. Meeting with people who understand power, and have lived life, are smart, kind, and motivated was really healing in itself as well."
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Nick Allen
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Dr. Mary Gamble, Dr. Jenny Maley,
Dr. Eloise Watson
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Advancing FND Science and Care at the American Neuropsychiatric Association’s 35th Annual Meeting in Montreal
FND had a strong presence at the 2025 ANPA Annual Meeting in Montreal. The program featured two major sessions dedicated entirely to FND, showcasing cutting-edge research and clinical innovation. Multiple poster presentations further highlighted the growing scholarship in this area, with contributions from clinicians, trainees, and researchers across disciplines. At the ANPA Special Interest Group Bazaar, the FND discussion table was especially lively, drawing attendees from a range of professional backgrounds for thoughtful conversation and connection. This momentum culminated in the largest-ever gathering of the FND Special Interest Group, where members shared ideas, launched new collaborations, and celebrated continued progress in the field!
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Dr. Laury Chamelian, OT and psychologist Delphine Bélanger, Dr. Arline-Aude Bérubé, and physiotherapist Pierre-Luc Lévesque presented a fascinating session titled Enactive/Predictive Brain and FND: From Theory to Full Recovery.
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Dr. Sarah Lidstone, Dr. Kimberly Williams, Dr. Megan Howlett, and Dr. Gabriela Gilmour provided an expert update in their session Functional Movement Disorder: Moving from Triage to Rehabilitation.
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An Interview with Tereza Serranová, MD, PhD
by Chadrick E. Lane, MD
Tereza Serranová, MD, PhD
Dr. Tereza Serranová is a movement disorders neurologist in Prague, Czech Republic. She serves as Deputy Head of Science and Research in Neurology at the General University Hospital of Prague and is a longtime champion of FND care and research in Central Europe. A member of the FND Society Board of Directors, Dr. Serranová translated the Neurosymptoms.org website into Czech and leads one of the region’s first dedicated FND clinics. She is also the local host for the future 7th International Conference on Functional Neurological Disorder in Prague, 2028.
READ INTERVIEW
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An Interview with Chiranth Bhagavan, MBChB, Consultant Psychiatrist and PhD Candidate
by Chadrick E. Lane, MD
Dr. Chiranth Bhagavan
Dr. Chiranth Bhagavan is a Consultant Psychiatrist at Austin Health’s Brain Disorders Neuropsychiatry Program in Melbourne, Australia, and a PhD candidate at the University of Melbourne. He completed medical school at the University of Otago and pursued psychiatry training in Wellington and Auckland. He now works clinically and academically in neuropsychiatry and is helping to lead a study exploring psilocybin-assisted physiotherapy in the treatment of FND.
READ INTERVIEW
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Trainee Voices: Navigating FND in Health and Science
Jennifer Brown, PhD Student
Celebrating the voices of those living with FND is essential to FNDS’ mission and is critical for the advancement of effective interventions. The FNDS Newsletter is delighted to share the first installment of a new feature focused on the lived experience of trainees diagnosed with FND. Trainees are considered graduate-level students in the fields of basic science, clinical science, social science, or healthcare, and who are living with FND. The students in this feature can provide members with a more comprehensive look into the lives of patients and how these experiences have shaped professional and career goals.
This series is led by Jennifer Brown, a member of the FNDS Communications Committee. She completed her Master of Science in Health Psychology in 2023 and is currently a Ph.D. student studying health psychology at National University. Her major goals include improving provider education on FND, patient advocacy, and medical encounters. For its launch, Jennifer tells her own story of living with FND.
READ INTERVIEW
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Following previous high-yield and popular continuing education (CE) courses, FND: Putting Principles into Practice and FND: Psychological Treatment 101, the FND Society is excited to announce the next virtual course focused on rehabilitative therapies. Chaired by our very own Dr. Glenn Nielsen and Dr. Sarah Lidstone, we will learn from expert occupational therapists, speech pathologists/speech & language therapists, physiotherapists, nurses, social workers, and specialist physicians. The objectives will apply to all who are involved in the care of people living with FND. Modules will touch on themes of treatment planning and education, assessment, therapeutic techniques, adapting treatments to pediatric populations, relapse prevention, integrating body and mind, psychological safety, and viewing rehabilitative therapy through the patient perspective.
LEARN MORE
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Recent Podcasts
- Noah Silverberg & Ryan Van Patten - FND & Neuropsychology In this episode, we have two guests, both esteemed board-certified neuropsychologists. Dr. Noah Silverberg is an associate professor at the University of British Columbia, and Dr. Ryan Van Patten is an assistant professor at Brown University.
- Clare Nicholson - Occupational Therapy & FND This episode’s guest is Clare Nicholson. Clare has a Master's in Clinical Research, a Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy, and works at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London. She was the lead author on the international Occupational Therapy Consensus Recommendations for Functional Neurological Disorders and is currently undertaking a funded doctoral fellowship at University College London.
- Beatrice Garcin - TMS in FND This episode’s guest is Dr. Beatrice Garcin who is a neurologist at Avicenne Hospital and Sorbonne Paris Nord University. We cover a range of topics including TMS in FND, neurologic comorbidities in FND, positive signs/rule in signs in FND, and FND practice specific to France/French culture.
- Jeff Staab - Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD) Professor Jeffrey Staab from the Mayo Clinic brings together balance and psychiatry in his academic and clinical practice. He joins Dr. Cotton in this podcast to speak about PPPD, vestibular migraine, and the impact of dizziness on quality of life. Listen in to find the most up-to-date understanding of the neuroscience of balance and stay to enjoy the useful information provided to take back to the clinic.
LISTEN HERE
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Proud of your new paper? Join the FNDS Journal Club Database!
If you have recently published a paper you are proud of, we would love to hear from you! By submitting your information, you will become part of our Journal Club Database, where you could be contacted to be our next Journal Club presenter. Simply fill out our Contact Information Form with your details. We will keep your information on file, and if there is a need to follow up, we will be sure to reach out. Let us keep the conversation going – submit your paper today!
UPCOMING PRESENTATIONS
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