Functional Neurological Disorders (FND): Is It Correct to Call Them Dissociative Disorders? How Should They Be Treated Today?

Details:

The conference aims to spread knowledge about Functional Neurological Disorders (FND), new diagnostic criteria, and therapeutic recommendations. In Peru and many Latin American countries, FNDs are still seen as purely psychiatric disorders, treated exclusively with psychotropic medications, without considering the importance of specific physical, speech, or occupational therapy and psychotherapy. This leads to poor communication of the diagnosis to patients, who are often discriminated against. As a result, FNDs represent a high cost to the public healthcare system. For the patient, the lack of an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment can lead to a worse prognosis and often to disability.

In Peru, ICD-10 is still used, which classifies FNDs as dissociative psychiatric disorders, limiting the recognition of the patient’s right to proper treatment, such as a sick leave of only 8 days. Additionally, this diagnostic code does not grant the patient access to rehabilitation medicine treatment.

Why is this conference of incredible importance?

• It is the first international and in-person conference on functional neurological disorders in Latin America.

• It is the first conference in Spanish about FND therapy (only the global conference delves into this topic, but in English).

• 40 speakers from all over Latin America, Spain, and the United States.

• The first day will be general and dedicated to non-specialist doctors, with the possibility of registering for just one day.

• The sessions will be practical, with clinical cases, and interactive.

• In the poster session, there will be the opportunity to present clinical cases and research projects.

Objectives

• To inform about the new definitions and advancements in FND among specialist doctors, including neurologists, psychiatrists, and physical rehabilitation doctors; also inviting emergency physicians or internists/pediatricians/geriatricians.

• To present the main research on treatment protocols and consensus recommendations for therapists (occupational therapists, speech therapists, physical therapists, complementary medicine therapists, optometrists) and psychotherapists/psychologists, neuropsychologists.

• To define the disorder and management approach for nurses working in orthopedics/physical medicine/neurology/psychiatry/internal medicine/emergency departments.

• During the conference, therapeutic study protocols that use smartphone applications, neurorehabilitation machines, and complementary/integrative medicine techniques (such as yoga/tai chi/mindfulness/biodance/aromatherapy) will be presented.

Target Audience

• Neurologists, psychiatrists, physical rehabilitation doctors, and complementary medicine doctors.

• Internists, pediatricians, emergency doctors, geriatricians.

• Physical medicine therapists (kinesiologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, optometrists) and complementary medicine therapists, psychologists, psychotherapists/neuropsychologists, and nurses.