Conversion (Functional Neurological) Disorders: An Update

Arnold Pfeffer Center for Neuropsychoanalysis:

“Conversion (Functional Neurological) Disorders: An Update”

Saturday, March 2, 2019

10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Presenter: Daniel Schneider, M.D.

Known to 19th century thinkers as “hysteria,” that specific form of psychosomatic illness known today as “conversion disorder,” or “functional neurological syndrome,” has been a source of controversy within the field of medicine for centuries.  Questions such as the proper means to make a diagnosis, etiology of symptoms, patient motivations, treatment options, and even what to call the syndrome, have all been vigorously debated over the years.  This talk will make a nod to that long history, while focusing on the recent research and evolution in understanding that has occurred over the past few decades. We will learn how modern physicians make this diagnosis (hint, it is NOT a diagnosis of exclusion), what we have discovered about the brains of patients with this disorder, and current notions of “best practice” in treatment of the condition.

2 CME/ CE credits will be offered.

Dr. Schneider is a board-certified psychiatrist and neurologist with specialty training in movement disorders. He is currently an associate professor at Rutgers – Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, where he sees patients with a variety of neuropsychiatric and movement conditions. He runs the only weekly clinic for patients with conversion symptoms in the Northeast, and has worked with his department of Occupational and Physical Therapy to create a specialized program for the study and treatment of these patients.

Educational Objectives: Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

1. Discuss the relative merits and deficiencies of terms like “functional”, “conversion”, and “psychogenic” to describe the condition.
2. Describe at least two symptoms or dynamics which are used to diagnose this condition.
3. Recount at least two aspects of our current understanding of the pathophysiology of the disorder.
4. Identify current treatment strategies.

Psychologists
New York Psychoanalytic Society & Institute is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education programs for psychologists. New York Psychoanalytic Society & Institute maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

Social Workers
New York Psychoanalytic Society & Institute is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0317.

Physicians
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint providership of the American Psychoanalytic Association and the New York Psychoanalytic Society and Institute. The American Psychoanalytic Association is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The American Psychoanalytic Association designates this Live Activity for a maximum of (2) AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Important disclosure information for all learners
None of the planners and presenters of this CME/CE program have any relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Persons with disabilities
The building is wheelchair accessible and has an elevator. Please notify the registrar in advance if you require accommodations.