Andy
Retired committee member
Highlights
The purpose of this article was to raise awareness of an under-recognized but well-supported treatment for Functional Neurological Disorders (FND) termed Intensive Short-term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP). There has been significant interest in the role of psychological mechanisms in FND onset and maintenance with specific evidence for maladaptive emotional processing. We outline how this supports the theoretical basis for ISTDP as an option in FND treatment and undertake a literature review of the current evidence base. We describe the application of ISTDP to FND illustrated through direct therapy transcripts. We conclude with reflections on the strengths and limitations of ISTDP as well as recommendations regarding future research.
Paywall, https://www.epilepsybehavior.com/article/S1525-5050(22)00106-8/fulltext#
- Research investigating underlying causes of FND reveals common clusters of associated factors which highlights potential psychological mechanisms involved in FND.
- Behavioral, psychophysiological, and neuroimaging evidence identifies that maladaptive emotional processing is associated with FND for many people with this condition.
- Intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy is an evidence-based approach for functional symptoms which addresses maladaptive emotional processing.
The purpose of this article was to raise awareness of an under-recognized but well-supported treatment for Functional Neurological Disorders (FND) termed Intensive Short-term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP). There has been significant interest in the role of psychological mechanisms in FND onset and maintenance with specific evidence for maladaptive emotional processing. We outline how this supports the theoretical basis for ISTDP as an option in FND treatment and undertake a literature review of the current evidence base. We describe the application of ISTDP to FND illustrated through direct therapy transcripts. We conclude with reflections on the strengths and limitations of ISTDP as well as recommendations regarding future research.
Paywall, https://www.epilepsybehavior.com/article/S1525-5050(22)00106-8/fulltext#