Live stream: Do all functional disorders arise from the brain?

This live stream will explore and discuss the theory that all functional disorders ultimately derive from the brain and nervous system. Functional symptoms affect every aspect of medicine and yet each speciality attempts to deal with their particular manifestation of the problem separately. This live stream will bring together professionals from medical, psychological, and academic research fields in the hope that a greater understanding of this subject from different perspectives, will lead to more effective interventions.

Want to attend in-person at the RSM? You can book to attend this event in-person by clicking here.

It is estimated that as many as 50% of new referrals to hospital outpatient clinics suffer from symptoms for which no specific underlying cause can be identified. Every speciality uses different terminology to describe these conditions but overall, there are insufficient effective therapeutic interventions currently available, leaving many patients suffering and significantly disabled.

This live stream will uncover the latest neuroscience research that is starting to shed some light on the underlying mechanisms. Functional symptoms form a huge part of every doctor’s workload and yet minimal teaching of this subject is provided at either undergraduate or postgraduate levels. An early positive diagnosis is vital to improve prognosis but currently, it can take years.

Can we develop different ways of researching this topic? Are RCT’s the best way forward? Should personalised care be considered? One therapy does not necessarily suit all and will be discussed.

It is likely neuroscience research will make a huge difference to our understanding of these extremely common debilitating conditions. Homeostasis, phenomenological control, perception, suggestibility, beliefs, predictive coding are no doubt playing a part in the development of functional symptoms.

This live stream will facilitate clinicians from varied specialities and researchers from different backgrounds to exchange ideas and collaborate. You will get the opportunity to hear some of the doctors, psychologists and neuroscientists who are currently looking for answers and solutions in this field and listen to thought-provoking panel discussions.

This live stream will cover:

• The differences and similarities of functional disorders and how symptoms can overlap – what do they have in common and how do they differ?
• The therapeutic approaches and treatment programmes being developed and provided by different specialities.
• What works best for which symptoms and which patients.
• The latest neuroscience research that is starting to shed light on the underlying mechanisms.

If you are an academic psychologist or neuroscientist, no prior knowledge of functional disorders is required.

CPD learning applied.

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