Clinical Round Table 15 - Neurobehavioral Therapy Mechanisms That Support Holistic Recovery in Functional Seizures Across the Lifespan: A Multidisciplinary Perspective

Functional seizures, a subset of functional neurological disorders, are frequently encountered in emergency rooms and outpatient neurology clinics. Neurobehavioral therapy, which incorporates elements of psychoeducation, mindfulness, exposure, and cognitive-behavioral strategies, has garnered empirical support to treat this debilitating disorder (Lopez & Lafrance, 2022). Elucidating the mechanisms of change in neurobehavioral therapy for individuals with functional seizures across the lifespan is critical to ensure treatment fidelity and maximize overall patient wellness outcomes. Equally important is to examine the evidence supporting neurobehavioral therapy relative to other available treatments and under what conditions it is most effective. It is also imperative that diagnosis and treatment be delivered with compassion and validation of the client’s experience with the disorder, and in respect to their age and cultural background.

This panel will explore how maladaptive thought patterns and learned responses, often triggered by stress, can be addressed through neurobehavioral therapy (Lafrance & Wincze, 2015). We will discuss how psychoeducation, mindfulness, exposure, and cognitive-behavioral strategies reduce vulnerability to stress by promoting healthy behaviors, increasing awareness, decreasing avoidance, and identifying and modifying maladaptive thought patterns in adult and pediatric populations. Additionally, given the high rates of medical comorbidity and the importance of accurate differential diagnosis, we will outline strategies for multidisciplinary health professionals to collaborate effectively in validating and supporting patient experiences from diagnosis to treatment. This panel, comprised of experienced professionals from multiple disciplines, career stages, and clinical settings, will synthesize current clinical and theoretical literature to inform decision-making and practical applications for implementing neurobehavioral therapy with individuals who have functional seizures. The panel will also identify gaps in the treatment literature to highlight future directions for investigation in this underserved population.