Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is one of the most common diagnoses among patients referred to neurology clinics, but is still misunderstood and under-recognised by medical professionals and the public. This vital book brings together the voices of healthcare professionals and people living with FND across the world. Experts in neurology provide a clear, evidence-based explanation of FND as an introduction, laying the foundation for the personal stories of people with FND and the professionals involved in their care. From testing and diagnosis to dealing with stigma and coping with changing symptoms, each chapter delves into the realities of life with FND from the perspective of lived experience. FND can be an isolating condition. The life stories in this book will help you to make sense of living with FND and tackle its challenges alongside others with the condition.
Dr Gregg H. Rawlings is a Clinical Psychologist and Lecturer at Nottingham Trent University. He completed his PhD from the University of Sheffield investigating the experiences of living with functional seizures. Professor Markus Reuber is Professor of Clinical Neurology at the University of Sheffield and Honorary Consultant at the Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. He is Editor-in-Chief of Seizure - European Journal of Epilepsy. Professor Jon Stone is Professor of Neurology at the University of Edinburgh and Consultant Neurologist with NHS Lothian. He has run neurosymptoms.org, a self-help website for FND since 2009 and is the first Secretary and cofounder of the new international FND society (www.fndsociety.org). Maxanne McCormick practiced as a pediatric physician assistant until 2009, when debilitating symptoms from FND forced her to resign. She runs the blog www.FNDrecovery.com, and in 2020 she was a speaker for the FND Hope virtual conference. She is based in Monument, CO, USA.
A collection of personal experiences of living with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)
Steven Schachter, MD
The mind-body connection has fascinated philosophers and neuroscientists for centuries, but its dysfunction has serious consequences which have generally been ignored by the medical community. This landmark book convincingly demonstrates that people with functional neurological disorders desperately need understanding, support, and effective therapies.
David L. Perez MD, MMSc Associate Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School
Brilliantly written, this book brings the experiences of people living with and recovering from FND onto center stage. A highly recommended read for those living with FND, their family and supports, healthcare providers, and all interested in the nuanced brain-mind-body interplay.
Lorraine Kelly CBE - FND Hope UK Patron
This is such an important book and really brings home what its like to live with FND. It gives a great understanding of FND to people who arent aware of the impact it has.
Dawn Golder - Executive Director FND Hope UK
Everyones FND story is unique and highlights the impact it can have on those diagnosed and their friends/family. This book will help to raise awareness, remove the stigma associated with the diagnosis and show that FND is not all in our heads.
