The Psychology of FND (Functional Neurological Disorders): From Belief to Relief

Speaker:: Sherrie All, PhD
Duration:: 2 Hours 41 Minutes
Format:: Audio and Video
Copyright:: Apr 01, 2025
Product Code:: POS065649
Media Type:: Digital Seminar

Price
$129.99 - Standard

For over 15 years, I have been working with patients who fall under the umbrella of Functional Neurological Disorders (FND)—though we didn’t call them that back then. Patients were labeled with terms like Conversion Disorder, Worried Well, or Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS). It was a frustrating time for patients and clinicians alike, as the tools we had were limited, and many existing theories focused on beliefs rather than evidence. At the time, much of the thinking around these conditions was shaped by outdated theories, often implying the symptoms were “all in their head,” which alienated and traumatized patients and made effective treatment a challenge.

The good news is that times have changed. Advances in neuroscience have transformed our understanding of the mind-body connection, and with that progress, we now have better tools and approaches to help patients diagnosed with FND. Don’t get me wrong—it’s still hard work. But what used to feel impossible now feels achievable, and the outcomes we can help patients achieve are deeply rewarding.

In this training, I’ll share practical, evidence-based insights from my years of experience to help you confidently recognize and treat FND in a way that supports your patients and builds trust in their care.

- Sherrie All, PhD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Sherrie All, PhD Related seminars and products

Chicago Center for Cognitive Wellness

Sherrie All, PhD, is a neuropsychologist and an engaging speaker and writer whose expertise in the principles of neuroscience, functional neuroanatomy, and diagnostics give her a unique insight into the correlation between mental health disorders, therapeutic approaches, and what happens to the brain itself.

Dr. All is the owner of the Chicago Center for Cognitive Wellness where she combines her strong background in CBT with mindfulness techniques, motivational interviewing and dynamic interpretations to help her clients manage depression, stress, anxiety, mental illness and cognitive challenges. A trained neuropsychologist who received her PhD from Rosalind Franklin University, she also brings her detailed understanding of the brain to uniquely address the needs of people with traumatic brain injuries, dementia, and other conditions.

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Sherrie All is the owner of Chicago Center for Cognitive Wellness. She receives royalties as a published author. Sherrie All receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-Financial: Sherrie All is a member of the American Psychological Association. the Illinois Psychological Association, and the International Neuropsychological Society. She serves on the American Society on Aging editorial review board.

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Identify and apply the DSM-V-TR criteria to differentiate Functional Neurological Disorders (FND), Functional Cognitive Disorder (FCD, emerging diagnosis not yet in DSM), and Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES) to improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning.
Develop and implement communication strategies that effectively convey an FND diagnosis, emphasizing treatability and using patient-friendly explanations, to enhance trust and patient adherence to care plans.
Analyze and address the role of alexithymia and emotional awareness in FND symptom management, integrating these insights into treatment approaches to support functional recovery and patient outcomes.

Foundations of Functional Disorders

Functional disorders occur across medical disciplines, not just neurology
DSM-V-TR criteria and variant presentations
Functional Cognitive Disorder (FCD)
Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES)
Epidemiology and characteristics highlight prevalence and patterns

Conceptualizing Functional Disorders: The 3 Ps Framework

Predisposing factors: biological, psychological, social
Precipitating events: trauma, stress, medical incidents, concussions
Perpetuating factors: healthcare interactions, stigma, self-perception

Barriers to Diagnosis and Care

Hidden challenges that delay proper FND recognition
How healthcare interactions shape patient outcomes
Role of stigma and its impact on care
Common pitfalls and outdated terminology in modern practice
Strategies to avoid unintentional harm in patient care
Risks and limitations

Gold Standard Diagnosis (& mis-diagnosis)

Accurate classification of FND, FCD, and PNES
Seizure misclassification
Diagnostic criteria and symptom patterns

Effective Communication with Patients

Examples of communication can transform trust and understanding
Methods for delivering diagnoses with clarity and care
Focus on making treatability a key message
How to break down FND with relatable, patient-friendly explanations

Alexithymia in FND

Emotional challenges often linked to FND
Connection between emotions and symptom severity
Discover the role of emotional work in supporting patient recovery

Case Study 1: Functional Motor Disorder in a Collegiate Athlete
Case Study 2: Persistent Post-Concussion Symptoms in an Office Worker

Psychologists
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Nurses
Occupational Therapists
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Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants
Physician Assistants
Physicians
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Other Rehabilitation and Fitness Professionals

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