The FND Society Podcast FND Society

Aaron D. Fobian, PhD is an Associate Professor and clinical psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Alabama at Birmingham where she is the PI of the Functional Neurological Disorder and Pediatric Behavioral Health Laboratory.

This episode includes discussion with Dr. Aaron Fobian regarding her Professional Pathway and Background to FND Research and Practice, Similarities and Divergences in FND between Pediatric and Adult Populations, Pediatric FND Treatment Development- namely the ReACT Trials, Novel Approaches for Standardized Training for Behavioral Health Professionals in Pediatric FND
Links:
ReACTFND.healthFobian FND+PBH Lab - Aaron Fobian FND+PBH Lab (fobianlab.com)

This episode includes discussion with Dr. Samantha Weber regarding her Professional Pathway and Background to FND Research and Practice; Defining Stress and Subtyped Trauma, How this relates to Body and Brain (cortisol levels, HPA, amygdala / hippocampus etc.); Prevalence Factors, Specifically as it Relates to Female Predominance in FND, and lastly Translating Bench to Bedside as it relates to targets for treatment (emotional, and physiological / regulatory) and evolving available clinical imaging options to identify dysfunction in FND at the patient level 
 Links:
Samantha WEBER | PostDoc Position | Master of Health Science and Technology ETH Zurich | Inselspital, Universitätsspital Bern, Bern | Department of Neurology | Research profile (researchgate.net)Identification of biopsychological trait markers in functional neurological disorders - PubMed (nih.gov)Healthcare employment as a risk factor for functional neurological disorder: A case-control study - PubMed (nih.gov)

In this episode we speak with Dr Selma Aybek about her pathway into FND research, neuroimaging in FND, the implications for reducing stigma and unhelpful historical dichotomies or dualistic approaches in mind-body disorders. Next, we discuss the utility of lumping vs splitting given the heterogeneity of FND, as well briefly discussing outcome measures, also capturing comorbidities, and patient quality of life.
Related Links: 
Research: https://www.unifr.ch/med/fr/research/group/aybek/
Clinic: https://www.h-fr.ch/annuaire/selma-aybek-rusca
Webinars | FNDS (fndsociety.org)

This episode features a discussion with Dr. Johannes Jungilligens about his professional pathway and background in FND research and practice. It covers the Interoceptive Model of Emotions and its relevance to FND, the neuroanatomy involved in this process, and how it may relate to the prevalence of FND. Additionally, we explore how this understanding could inform treatment models. Lastly, there is a brief discussion about hopes for future growth and directions in this field of work.

Related Links:
Johannes Jungilligens
A new science of emotion: implications for functional neurological disorder
FND Society

Welcome to the FND Society Podcast, a series tailored for clinicians and researchers in the field of Functional Neurologic Disorders. 
The podcast covers a wide range of topics, from basic science aspects like neuroimaging and biomarkers to clinical practice issues such as diagnosis, treatments, and outcomes. It also explores how FND is understood and treated within the current medical and psychological paradigms, with a goal to enhance knowledge and awareness across the medical community.
Each episode promises an informal yet academically oriented discussion, intended to stimulate thought and discussion within the professional community. The views and opinions expressed represent the personal perspectives of the host and guests, adding diverse viewpoints to the discourse.
Our host, Erica Cotton,  a neuropsychologist from Northwestern University, brings her extensive experience in functional neurologic disorders, including functional seizures, functional movements, and functional cognitive disorders.
Joining Erica is Ingrid Hoeritzauer, a Consultant Neurologist with the Edinburgh Functional Neurological Disorders Research Group, serves as the content curator and production. Her expertise in neurology and deep involvement in FND research ensures that each episode is rich with the latest insights and developments in the field. Our sound production engineer and editor is Michael Romeo, a Clinical Psychologist from Newcastle, Australia specialising in FND.
At the end of each episode we offer a 50% discount code for a first-year membership fee for the FND Society. This is a fantastic opportunity for listeners to become part of a larger community that is actively involved in advancing the understanding and treatment of FND.
We are thrilled to offer this podcast series. Our goal is to make this a valuable and accessible resource for professionals, delivering the latest research in FND through engaging conversations with experts in the field. We aim for this series to be a practical and informative experience, connecting listeners directly with groundbreaking developments and insights in FND. It's our hope that each episode will contribute meaningfully to your professional knowledge and understanding.
For more information about the FND Society visit: www.fndsociety.org