Evaluation and Treatment for Functional Neurological (Conversion) Disorders

The Rhode Island Hospital Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Neurology Clinic evaluates and treats adults and children with functional neurological disorder / conversion disorder (FND/CD), including psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (NES) / functional dissociative seizures (FDS),  motor FND, and functional gait disorders. A number of research studies at Rhode Island Hospital have shaped the evaluation and management of FND/CDs. Books addressing diagnoses and treatment include:

• The textbook Gates and Rowan's Nonepileptic Seizures has detailed chapters on pediatric and adult NES, psychogenic movement disorder, and other conversion disorders from authors around the world.
• The Taking Control of Your Seizures Workbook is useful in the treatment of patients with NES or epilepsy, and the Treating Nonepileptic Seizures Therapist Guide is available for providers interested in guidance on using the workbook.

Patients and clinicians can contact the Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Neurology clinic at 401-793-4006 for information on referring someone for treatment.

Providers can also contact the division for information about training in using the workbook.