Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder
It’s not in your head and it’s not your fault.
Learn how therapy can help you
reclaim your life.
What is Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder (FND)?
FND (also known as Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder, or Functional Neurological Disorder) is a problem with how the brain and body are connecting. One simplified analogy is to think of FND as a “software” problem vs. a “hardware” problem. Structurally, systems seem to be intact and medical scans may come back negative. However, functionally symptoms are present that can be highly impairing.
FND symptoms can vary widely from person to person. Some individuals experience psychogenic seizures, motor changes, sensory issues, muscle spasms, or pain. FND may impact many areas of the body from cognitive changes, to limb control, to bladder and bowel symptoms.
Providers and patients alike may misunderstand that because FND symptoms are related to psychological factors these means that symptoms are “all in your head” or under your control. This is a myth. FND symptoms are not imaginary. Individuals living with FND do not choose to have their symptoms and cannot decide to stop having them.
Psychotherapy is one of the primary treatments for FND. Therapy can help your brain learn to function in ways that are less disruptive. It can also assist you in identifying, understanding, and changing factors that may trigger symptoms or keep them going. In some cases, therapy can help resolve underlying trauma or stress that is maintaining the functional body symptoms. For some, psychotherapy is a pathway to help them better manage their FND symptoms and reclaim a higher quality of life. For others, psychotherapy can lead to a full resolution of FND symptoms.
Living with FND can be very stressful. Therefore, many individuals with FND may also develop other disorders such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Ableist experiences in society, a long journey with a lack of answers, and frequent dismissals by medical professionals may also contribute to distress. Therefore, a secondary benefit to psychotherapy is that it may address these difficult factors that make FND harder to navigate.
At Songbird Psychological Services, we stay up to date on the latest FND literature to bring evidence-based care to our patients. We collaborate with your medical team to the extent that you are comfortable and believe in a wraparound approach to care. Dr. Bethany DeHaven is listed in FND Hope International’s provider directory.
What does treatment involve?
FND Education
Treatment will assist you in understanding FND generally, as well as how it applies to you.
Tracking Patterns
You and your clinician will identify symptom patterns and triggers together, and learn how to apply this knowledge in a helpful way.
You will also collaboratively find coping strategies that are truly effective for you & your body.
Cognitive Restructuring
Therapy can help you “retrain your brain” so that your mind and body can respond to triggers in more helpful ways.
You may also explore emotional patterns, interpersonal relationships, and past/current trauma that could contribute to your symptom cycle. This can include but is not limited to trauma caused directly by your symptoms and/or the medical system.
Relapse Prevention
Once you have achieved your functional or quality-of-life goals. you and your clinician will work together to make a plan that will help you maintain your progress.
Why Songbird Psychological Services?
Thank you for trusting us with your care.
Evidence-Based Services
We are committed to keeping up with the latest research and applying evidence-based techniques to help you meet your goals.
Dr. Bethany DeHaven is listed in FND Hope International’s provider directory.
Multidisciplinary Approach
Evidence points to that multifaceted care is the most effective form of treatment for FND. We’d be glad to collaborate with your neurologist, physical therapist, or other members of your care team.
Humility &
Validation
Our clinicians listen to your lived experience. We bring expertise on the field of psychology and you bring expertise on your own body. Many individuals with FND have been invalidated by medical professionals; listening to you and advocating alongside you are our priorities.
In-Person & Online
Availability
Unfortunately, it can be difficult to find providers competent to treat FND outside of a hospital setting. We’re tired of hearing stories of families searching “FND therapy near me” or “FND therapy in Vancouver, WA” and coming up with nothing. Appointments are available in-person in Vancouver, WA or anywhere in WA state via telehealth.