When the Body Says Stop! Evaluating an Online Treatment for Functional Neurological Disorder
Danielle Feros1, Samantha Broyd11Rehabilitation and Medical Psychology, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, NSW, Australia
Abstract
Background: Functional Neurological Disorder, or FND, is a debilitating and pervasive mental health condition characterised by a collection of symptoms such as blackouts, paralysis, and abnormal movements that suggest the presence of neurological disorder. However, none of the symptoms are explained by disease. FND is often poorly managed and associated with a high health burden. Prognosis is strongly linked with symptom chronicity. Despite this access to timely evidence-based treatment in Australia is limited. The current project aims to address this need through an innovative virtual model of assessment and intervention.
Method: 40 participants with a diagnosis of FND attended a 6-week Multidisciplinary CBT Group delivered by Telehealth. Participants completed a structured clinical interview and a battery of validated questionnaire measures immediately prior to, following the Group, and at 3-month follow-up.
Results: Preliminary findings from analysis of a subgroup (n=23) include reductions in symptom frequency, anxiety, negative illness perceptions, ED presentations alongside improvements in QoL at 3-month follow up (all p<.05). 100 % of participants rated their experience of telehealth as either Very Good or Excellent, and all participants were likely to recommend the Group to others. An analysis of the full group (n=40) is underway. Discussion: These preliminary findings indicate promising outcomes in terms of patient wellbeing, patient experience and health utilisation following the FND Telehealth Group intervention. It has the potential to be transferred across districts and inform models of care for patients, providing early and effective treatment. Acknowledgements: Physiotherapy, Dietetics, Neuropsychology, Port Kembla Hospital Dr Matthew Macfarlane (CL Psychiatrist) and Dr Karen Fuller (Head of Neurology), Wollongong Hospital Dr Katherine Gill, President, FND Australia Support Services Inc. Dr Alex Lehn FND Masterclass Training, Mater Hospital QLD Dr Sue Fitzpatrick, AH Director, ISLHD Illuminate Innovation Grant, ISLHD HETI AH Workplace Learning Grant Rural MH Small Project Grants, Peregrine Centre
Biography
Dr Danielle Feros and Dr Samantha Broyd are Clinical Psychologists and researchers, working in the field of Medical and Rehabilitation Psychology. They have a specialist interest in working with individuals with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) and have been leading a Telehealth Multidisciplinary Group intervention for FND patients for over three years. Together have been awarded almost $AUD90,000 in grant funding to examine the effectiveness of their Group intervention for FND patients, have presented preliminary outcomes at several National conferences, and have publication of these data in preparation.