Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) mental health support in Doncaster

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a problem with the functioning of the nervous system and how the brain and body send and receive signals. Physical and/or psychological risk factors can cause a variety of physical, sensory, and cognitive functional symptoms and are often referred to as ‘Medically Unexplained Symptoms’ (MUS).

The impact of the pandemic on the mental health of the population, and the long- term effects of Covid-19 (Post Covid Syndrome), has resulted in a rise in diagnosis rates for FND.

In March 2021, NHS South Yorkshire ICB – Doncaster (NHS SY ICB); Rotherham Doncaster & South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH) NHS Talking Therapies Long Term Conditions (LTC) service; and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (STH) worked collaboratively on a waiting list initiative which successfully supported patients with FND to manage their symptoms and subsequently their mental health.

NEW service provision

Criteria
RDaSH NHS Talking Therapies LTC service and STH Specialist Neurology Psychotherapy Service have worked collaboratively with NHS SY ICB - Doncaster to identify the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and referral pathways for Talking Therapies LTC service.

To ensure the most appropriate individuals are referred safely and effectively, referred patients must:

• have a formal diagnosis of FND which can be evidenced with documentation e.g., Consultant Neurologist clinic letters
• be registered with a Doncaster GP
• be over 18
• be presenting with signs and symptoms of mild to moderate common mental health problems e.g., anxiety or depression
• be able to establish achievable and realistic goals for therapy, within the context of their FND symptoms, in relation to their common mental health problem.

Individuals considered out of scope for this service are those who:

• are a risk to themself or others
• have a PHQ9 score of 9 or below, GAD7 score of 7 or below
• are suffering with drug or alcohol misuse (unless stable or on a treatment programme) and,
• have severe and enduring mental health problems

Referral pathway

Adults requiring support, and who meet the criteria, can self-refer by:

• Calling the service on 03000 211 563
• Completing the service’s self-referral form online at: https://bit.ly/Doncaster-self-refer or scanning the QR code below

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• Speaking to a health professional at their GP Practice who is able to make a referral on their behalf

The following comments have been received from some of the patients who have received treatment from the NHS Talking Therapies LTC service