Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)
Functional Neurological disorder is initially diagnosed by a neurologist. FND is common in children and adults. Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) refers to a condition where a person experiences neurological symptoms that cannot be fully explained by a structural or medical cause.
These symptoms are real and often distressing. They arise from a disruption in the way the brain and body communicate, rather than from damage to the nervous system. FND specialists have described FND as a problem with the brain’s software. Like a computer, the brain has software which operates the communication system between itself, the outside world and the body. FND is problems with the software part of the brain. FND can affect anyone and may emerge gradually or following a significant stressor or illness.
Symptoms of Functional Neurological Disorder
FND symptoms are the second most common reason for an initial neurology appointment and subsequently with a psychologist. Only referrals for headaches or migraines are greater in number than FND. FND is certainly common in children and adults.
- Weakness or paralysis.
- Abnormal movement, such as tremors or difficulty walking.
- Loss of balance.
- Difficulty swallowing or feeling “a lump in the throat”
- Seizures or episodes of shaking and apparent loss of consciousness (nonepileptic seizures)
- Episodes of unresponsiveness.
Usually an event occurs, sometimes an illness, an accident, or a shock of some description which interferes with the automatic functioning, or the software, of the brain. In FND this can occur in movement disorders, walking or paralysis in one part of the body. FND typically contains symptoms of altered or loss of consciousness, and these are called dissociative attacks. Seizures are an example of this.
These symptoms are often accompanied by fatigue, anxiety, low mood, or difficulties with memory and concentration. They can lead to changes in identity, relationships, and daily routines, particularly when the condition is misunderstood or misdiagnosed.
Psychology Treatment – Functional Neurological Disorder
Understanding your symptoms is the first step toward reclaiming control.
At Rose Park Psychology, we offer therapy for people living with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) — helping them better understand their condition, develop coping strategies, and improve function and quality of life.
What Contributes to FND?
FND is best understood through a biopsychosocial lens, meaning that biological, psychological, and social factors all play a role. These may include:
- A history of stress, trauma, or adverse life events
- Other mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD
- Physical illness, injury, or neurological sensitivity
- Functional changes in brain processing (as seen in neuroimaging studies)
- Difficulties with emotional regulation or dissociation
Importantly, FND is not deliberate or imagined and recognising this can be a powerful part of the recovery process.
How We Can Help
At Rose Park Psychology, we provide respectful, individualised therapy for FND that acknowledges the complexity of your experience and works collaboratively with your broader care team (e.g., neurologist, GP, physiotherapist).
Therapy may include:
- Psychoeducation – to help you and your loved ones understand the condition and its mechanisms
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – to reduce fear, manage unhelpful thoughts, and support behavioural activation
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – to build psychological flexibility and support values-based living
- Emotion regulation and body-based strategies – to improve awareness of internal states and reduce symptom flare-ups
- EMDR (Jo England)
Our goal is to help you feel better equipped to understand and respond to your symptoms — not by ignoring them, but by developing tools to live alongside them with more ease and less fear.
Psychology Treatment – Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)
Dr. Danny Camfferman and Jo England are seeing clients with FND
Psychologist Jo England will use an interpersonal therapy which is FND informed, and often includes a gentle form of EMDR therapy to process the underlying threat of the early predisposing factors, as well as reprocessing the triggering event. This is only done in collaboration with the referring Neurologist or Neuropsychiatrist. Jo worked for 18 months with Allied Neuro Therapy (ANT) a British neurological rehabilitation Clinic. Jo was a chartered psychologist in London UK, receiving employment and supervision for acquired brain injury treatment and support. Training and supervision for FND through her British Supervisor is ongoing, and now included in her work at Rose Park Psychology.
Some information on this website is taken from Professor Jon Stone’s research and website FND Action. Here is a link to explain more about FND.
Link to FND Action: https://neurosymptoms.org/en/
FND Australia is a trusted organisation dedicated to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and empowering individuals living with Functional Neurological Disorder.
Book to see a psychologist today
FND can be challenging and often misunderstood — but with the right support, many people experience meaningful improvements in function, confidence, and wellbeing.
Call our friendly team or book an appointment online to connect with a psychologist experienced in supporting individuals with Functional Neurological Disorder. We offer in-person sessions in Adelaide and telehealth.
