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2025 Volume 5, Number 3
Get ready for the 6th International Conference on Functional Neurological Disorder, coming to Baltimore, Maryland, June 13–16, 2026! This year’s meeting at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront will bring together clinicians, researchers, and educators from around the world to explore FND’s complex overlap with other neurological and systemic conditions, including but not limited to migraine, Parkinson’s, autonomic dysfunction, and PTSD.
Make the most of your conference experience by staying at the official host hotel, the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront. The FND Society has secured a special room block for attendees at a preferred group rate, available until Friday, May 15, 2026, or until filled. Booking within the block not only guarantees the best rate but also helps support the Society.
The opening of the official conference registration will be announced soon and accessible on the FND Society website.
We look forward to an engaging meeting in Baltimore as we connect and advance the field together!
HOTEL RESERVATIONS
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Defining FND: The FNDS Classification Committee’s Work Toward a Unified Framework
The FND Society’s Classification Oversight Committee (FNDS COSC) has recently updated its webpage with a newly published Process and Governance Plan outlining how the field will move toward consensus on the definition, terminology, and diagnostic criteria for FND.
This initiative represents a major step in developing a shared and transparent framework for understanding FND and its most common subtypes. The plan describes a multiphase process designed to ensure broad participation across the FND community, including clinicians, researchers, community partner organizations, and people living with FND.
The Committee’s aims include:
- Developing a new, overarching definition of FND
- Reaching consensus on the preferred nomenclature for FND and its subtypes
- Formulating improved diagnostic criteria, beginning with the most common subtypes: functional/dissociative seizures and functional motor disorders
The Process and Governance Plan details how feedback will be gathered and how opportunities for public and professional comment will be announced. The Committee is committed to a process that is transparent, inclusive, and collaborative, ensuring that the voices of both experts and those with lived experience are reflected in the final recommendations.
READ FULL PROCESS & GOVERNANCE PLAN
FNDS COSC Membership
Prof. Jon Stone
Dr. Jeffrey Staab
Dr. Tereza Serranová
Prof. Mark Edwards
Dr. Markus Reuber
Dr. Sonja Rutten
Workgroups and Collaborations
1. Overarching Definition and Diagnostic Criteria (ODCC) Workgroup
Chair: Dr. Sonja Rutten
Members: FND Portal, Dr. Timothy Nicholson, Prof. Sanjay Pandey, Prof. Jeffrey Staab, and Prof. Jon Stone
2. Functional/Dissociative Seizures (F/DS) Workgroup
Chair: Dr. Markus Reuber
Collaborator: Functional/Dissociative Seizure Task Force of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE)
Members: Kim Hearne, Prof. William Curt LaFrance, Prof. Coraline Hingray, Prof. Richard Kanaan, Dr. Rosa Michaelis, Dr. Stoyan Popkirov, Dr. Chrisma Pretorius, Dr. Mercedes Sarudianky, Prof. Colin Reilly, and Dr. Qing Xue
3. Functional Movement Disorder (FMD) Workgroup
Co-Chairs: Dr. Tereza Serranová and Prof. Mark Edwards
Collaborator: FMD Study Group from the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society (MDS)
Members: Bridget Mildon, Dr. Glenn Nielsen, Prof. Anthony Lang, Prof. Alexander Lehn, Prof. David Perez, and Prof. Kasia Kozlowska
The Committee welcomes participation from the wider FND community and will share updates, timelines, and opportunities to comment through the Society’s website and social media channels. This collaborative effort marks an important milestone toward unified terminology and diagnostic clarity for FND worldwide.
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Lucía Tesolin, MD
Chair, Latin American Congress on FND
First Latin American Congress on Functional Neurological Disorder
We are thrilled to announce a milestone for the global FND community! As part of an ongoing educational campaign to raise awareness and expand training opportunities across Spanish-speaking countries, Dr. Lucía Tesolin and her team have organized the first Latin American Congress on Functional Neurological Disorder.
The Congress will take place November 20–22, 2025, in Lima, Peru, in a hybrid format with both virtual and in-person participation available. The official language of the Congress is Spanish. This landmark event is supported by the FND Society and the Movement Disorder Society. Please click or tap the button below to see the Congress’ full program.
CONGRESS PROGRAM IN SPANISH
Click or tap the button below to view the registration flyer. We encourage everyone to share this opportunity widely and join in this exciting step forward for collaboration in FND!
CONGRESS REGISTRATION FLYER IN SPANISH
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FND at the American Neurological Association
From left to right: Barbara Dworetzky, MD, Jonathan Gursky, MD, and Erica Cotton, PsyD
At this year’s American Neurological Association (ANA) Annual Meeting, the Interactive Lunch Workshop series featured a session devoted entirely to FND. These lunchtime workshops are designed to encourage lively discussion and audience participation, and this one was no exception.
Titled “Functional Neurological Disorder in 2025,” the session brought together a multidisciplinary panel that reflected the collaborative spirit central to FND care. Dr. Jonathan Gursky opened the session with “FND Clinical Vignette: Setting the Stage,” introducing a case of a patient with mixed functional symptoms that would serve as the framework for the session. Dr. Barbara Dworetzky followed with “Clinical Approach to Functional Neurological Disorder in 2025,” highlighting the evolving role of the neurologist from diagnostic evaluation through communication and coordination within the care team. Dr. Erica Cotton completed the series with “Psychologists’ Role and Evidence-Based Behavioral Health in FND,” exploring treatment targets and therapeutic approaches.
Together, the presenters used the shared case vignette to trace the patient’s journey from work-up and diagnosis to interdisciplinary treatment planning and psychotherapy. The interactive format encouraged robust discussion, and a lively Q&A session carried the conversation into the realities of everyday clinical practice, including common obstacles and strategies for managing more challenging or refractory cases.
The session was chaired by James Gugger, MD, PharmD of the University of Rochester.
This work stands out as an engaging example of how clinicians across disciplines can come together to refine understanding and share practical insights about caring for those with FND.
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Advancing Understanding of FND at the 2025 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society Congress
Functional Neurological Disorder was strongly represented at this year’s International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society (MDS) Congress, with more than 20 posters presented by researchers and clinicians from around the world, including many FND Society members. One highlight of the meeting was the applied skills session “How to Diagnose and Manage Functional Movement Disorders” led by Professors Mark Edwards, Selma Aybek Rusca, and Maouly Fall. This practical session guided attendees through effective strategies for explaining a functional movement diagnosis to patients, understanding the clinical phenomenology of functional movement disorders, and developing personalized treatment plans.
Pictured left to right: Prof. Fiorella Contarino, Prof. Francesca Morgante,
Dr. Gül Yalçın-Çakmaklı, Prof. Mark Edwards, Prof. Marina de Koning-Tijssen,
Prof. Selma Aybek Rusca, Dr. Shilpa Chitnis, and Dr. Tereza Serranová
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Dr. Alex Lehn and
Dr. Tereza Serranová
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Prof. Selma Aybek Rusca presenting on functional movement disorders
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First Functional Neurological Disorder Society Asia Oceania Section (FNDS-AOS) Symposium, March 19, 2026
Colleagues from across Asia and Oceania will come together in Delhi, India, on Thursday, March 19, 2026, for the first FNDS-AOS Symposium. Held at the Amriteswari Auditorium, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, and in conjunction with the Movement Disorder Society of India, this gathering marks an important step in regional efforts to advance care of those living with FND.
The program features a rich lineup of sessions, including Dr. Kailash Bhatia’s keynote talk, “My Journey with Functional Movement Disorders,” and Dr. Toby Winton-Brown’s discussion on FND at the interface of neurology and psychiatry. Additional highlights include Dr. Sanjay Pandey’s talk on the evolution of FND in India and Dr. Masahiro Sonoo’s presentation on the history and positive diagnostic signs of FND. The afternoon will conclude with an interactive session on the future of the FNDS-AOS, led by Drs. Sanjay Pandey and Alex Lehn.Together, these sessions aim to increase awareness of and clinical innovations for FND across the region while fostering opportunities for new research collaborations.
VIEW PROGRAM
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Dr. Alex Lehn
Co-Organizer of the first FNDS-AOS Symposium
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Dr. Sanjay Pandey
Co-Organizer of the first FNDS-AOS Symposium
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New Published Findings in Psychotherapy for FND
Two recent publications demonstrate meaningful progress in psychotherapy research for FND, advancing our understanding of who benefits most from treatment and how new interventions can be developed for subsets of individuals living with FND.
In the Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, Dr. Cristina Bleier, Dr. Ellen Godena, and Dr. Daniel Millstein (co–first authors), and colleagues reported findings from a retrospective study of 97 patients treated with skills-based psychotherapy at the Massachusetts General Hospital FND Unit. Two-thirds of patients improved, with one in five achieving nearly complete symptom remission. Patients with longer illness duration and baseline cognitive symptoms benefited most from extended treatment. These real-world data reinforce that individualized, skills-based psychotherapy can be highly effective when tailored in duration and scope to patient needs.
In the same journal, Dr. Erica Cotton and team introduced “Taking Control of Your Functional Cognitive Symptoms”, a novel therapist-guided workbook adapted from the “Taking Control of Your Seizures” manual. Integrating cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, and acceptance-based strategies, the intervention helps patients with Functional Cognitive Disorder (FCD) better understand and manage their symptoms. Early pilot data demonstrated strong feasibility and participant satisfaction, with both initial users reporting substantial improvement. This represents the first structured, accessible program designed specifically for FCD and a promising step toward broader, evidence-based treatment of this FND subtype.
Together, these studies mark an important stride forward in developing psychotherapeutic approaches across the spectrum of FND, underscoring the field’s momentum toward more personalized treatment.
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Dr. Alex Lehn at the 2025 Renji Neurology Forum, Shanghai
At the 2025 Renji Neurology Forum in Shanghai, China on August 16, 2025, Dr. Alex Lehn presented “Functional Neurological Disorder: Clinical Signs and Diagnostic Challenges.” He emphasized the shift away from viewing FND as a diagnosis of exclusion, focusing instead on the positive clinical features that allow a confident rule-in diagnosis. Through a series of illustrative cases, Dr. Lehn demonstrated how these hallmark signs can be recognized reliably in everyday practice.
The session featured examples ranging from common to diagnostically complex presentations, offering practical insights into both diagnostic pearls and pitfalls. His talk underscored the importance of skilled observation and open communication in enhancing diagnostic confidence and improving outcomes.
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Celebrating the Career of Professor Michael Sharpe
Center: Prof. Alan Carson, to his left,
Prof. Michael Sharpe
Prof. Michael Sharpe, an influential leader in consultation-liaison psychiatry across both Europe and the United States, was recently honored at a festschrift held at Corpus Christi College, Oxford, marking his retirement. The event featured talks by several of his former doctoral students, including Prof. Alan Carson and Prof. Jon Stone, reflecting his profound impact as a mentor and scholar.
Prof. Sharpe is Emeritus Professor of Psychological Medicine at the University of Oxford and currently serves as President of the European Association of Psychosomatic Medicine, Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, and Integrated Care (EAPM). He also represented the organization at the FNDS Verona 2024 conference. Over the course of his distinguished career, he has received numerous honors, including the Eleanor and Thomas Hackett Award from the Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and the American Psychiatric Association’s Adolf Meyer Award for research achievement.
We celebrate his remarkable contributions to the field and wish him the very best in this next chapter of an extraordinary career!
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Communicating with Clarity: Cleveland Clinic Psychologists Lead APA Session on FND
From left to right: Dr. Afiah Hasnie, Dr. Cynthia Van Keuren, Dr. Taylor Rush, and Dr. Anna Hayburn
At the 2025 American Psychological Association Annual Meeting in Denver, Cleveland Clinic psychologists Dr. Afiah Hasnie, Dr. Anna Hayburn, Dr. Taylor Rush, and Dr. Cynthia Van Keuren presented “Functional Neurological Disorder: How to Effectively Communicate Diagnosis and Develop a Care Plan.” The session focused on practical, compassionate strategies for discussing FND with patients and designing collaborative care plans that promote understanding and engagement. Drawing on their extensive clinical expertise, the presenters emphasized the power of communication in improving outcomes and strengthening the therapeutic alliance for individuals living with FND.
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Teja Zeribi
Pharmacy Student at University of Brighton
Teja Zeribi is a second-year pharmacy student at the University of Brighton. Teja serves as Research Coordinator for FND Hope’s Research Committee and Young Adult Peer Support Lead. Her work focuses on improving access to effective and more individualized treatments for FND, and expanding access to care — especially pediatric. She contributes as a Patient and Public Involvement & Engagement representative for several treatment trials and Expert by Experience on the FND Society’s Psychological Treatment Consensus SIG executive group. She liaises with several FNDS committees through FND Hope’s Research Department.
READ INTERVIEW
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An Interview with Sanjay Pandey, MBBS, MD, DNB, DM, FIAN
by Chadrick E. Lane, MD
Sanjay Pandey, MBBS, MD
Dr. Sanjay Pandey is Professor and Head of Neurology at Amrita Hospital in Faridabad, India, and serves on the Board of Directors of the FND Society. His work focuses on Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, tremor, and functional movement disorder, with an emphasis on both clinical and genetic research. A former NIH fellow under Dr. Mark Hallett, Dr. Pandey has led major national and international collaborations that have advanced the understanding and treatment of FND.
READ INTERVIEW
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Following previous high-yield and popular continuing education (CE) courses, FND: Putting Principles into Practice, FND: Psychological Treatment 101, and FND Rehabilitation 101 the FND Society is excited to announce the next virtual course focused on the assessment and management of functional neurological disorder. This course is presented with a diverse set of expert perspectives on clinical opportunities and challenges in the assessment and management of functional neurological disorder across adults and children/adolescents. The 13 pre-recorded lectures will cover high-yield topics in the field by established leaders. Emphasis will be given to a practical delivery of content, including clinical vignettes used to help illustrate teaching points and potential pitfalls.
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.
- Multi-Cultural Podcast Series: FND Diagnosis, Access, & Treatment Landscapes The first in a three part panel series, this episode explores FND across the international arena. Part 1 includes FND diagnosis, access, and discussion of treatment landscapes, Part 2 including FND culturally relevant factors within the biopsychosocialspiritual model, and Part 3 covers FND research, funding, and international collaborations. Guests include: Lucia Tesolin a neurologist in charge of the Functional Neurological Disorders Clinic at the Civil Hospital of Bolzano, Italy, and researcher at the Center for Research in Complementary Medicine, EsSalud Social Health Insurance, Peru; Sonja Rutten from Amsterdam University Medical Center, the Netherlands (providing input on the Dutch and FND); Takamichi Kanbayashi, from Tokyo and Teikyo University School of Medicine (presently learning FND in Edinburg, UK); Lucas D’Andrea – at University of São Paulo Brazil; Chrisma Pretorius at Stellenbosch University in South Africa; and Sanjay Pandey, presently in Delhi, India at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences.
- Multi-Cultural Podcast Series: Part 2: FND & Cultural Factors Within Biopsychosocial Model This is the second in a three part panel series, exploring FND across the international arena. Part 1 includes FND diagnosis, access, and discussion of treatment landscapes, Part 2 including FND culturally relevant factors within the biopsychosocialspiritual model, and Part 3 covers FND research, funding, and international collaborations. Guests include: Lucia Tesolin a neurologist in charge of the Functional Neurological Disorders Clinic at the Civil Hospital of Bolzano, Italy, and researcher at the Center for Research in Complementary Medicine, EsSalud Social Health Insurance, Peru; Sonja Rutten from Amsterdam University Medical Center, the Netherlands (providing input on the Dutch and FND); Takamichi Kanbayashi, from Tokyo and Teikyo University School of Medicine (presently learning FND in Edinburg, UK); Lucas D’Andrea – at University of São Paulo Brazil; Chrisma Pretorius at Stellenbosch University in South Africa; and Sanjay Pandey, presently in Delhi, India at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences.
LISTEN HERE
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FND Society Journal Club
Thursday, December 4, 2025 at 11:00 am Eastern Time (4:00 pm UTC)
Article: Functional dysphagia: Developing a framework for assessment and treatment
 Dr. Anna Miles is a practicing speech pathologist with 25+ years of experience working in the acute and community settings. Anna is an associate professor at the University of Auckland. She is a researcher, lecturer, and clinician in the area of voice and swallowing disorders. Dr Miles has 150+ peer-reviewed publications. She is the New Zealand Speech-language Therapists’ Association Expert Adviser in Adult Dysphagia, an active member of the Dysphagia Research Society, and has been awarded ASHA Fellow for her contributions to research, clinical teaching, and international service.
 Jan Baker is a speech pathologist and family therapist with post-graduate qualifications in psychotherapy. She studied classical singing at the Elder Conservatorium and has performed as a soloist in the mezzo-soprano repertoire. She is a Life Member of the Australian Voice Association and Fellow and Life Member of Speech Pathology Australia. Jan has taught at undergraduate and post-graduate levels, and after completing her PhD in the Department of Psychiatry in 2006, she was appointed Associate Professor at Flinders University (2007-2011). Jan has presented at many national and international conferences in relation to the management of voice disorders with the integration of counselling and family therapy, and more recently in Boston (USA) and Newcastle on Tyne (UK), in the areas of FND/voice, counselling, and the importance of supervision for field clinicians. Her clinical work, research, and publications have focused on the etiology and management of psychogenic voice disorders; other FNDs affecting communication, swallowing, cough; and understanding the psychological processes involved in the therapeutic relationship. From her private practice in Sydney, Jan is a consultant in voice and communication disorders related to FND, and she offers regular supervision to speech pathologists and mental health practitioners in the field.
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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