The Mindgardens Functional Neurological Disorders (FND) Clinic has been honoured with the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD) CORE Award for Excellence in the Provision of Mental Health Services.

Dr. Adith Mohan, FND Clinic lead and senior neuropsychiatrist at UNSW, said the recognition underscores the clinic’s commitment to advancing FND care and addressing critical gaps in service provision.

“We’re all very honoured to receive this award and recognition for the team’s hard work in FND, which is vastly under-researched and under-funded, leaving people who live with this condition without access to the appropriate level of care, resources and support,” Dr. Mohan said.

“FND is a common neurological condition arising from abnormalities in brain or central nervous system functioning. It can manifest as seizures, weakness, tremors, abnormal movements, or result in cognitive, speech, gait, or vision issues.

“Despite the impact of these symptoms, clinical expertise in managing FND remains limited – and this is something our team is trying to change,” added Dr. Mohan, who received the recognition at the SESLHD CORE Awards ceremony in Sydney yesterday.

The Impact of FND

Annually, FND affects between four and 12 individuals per 100,000 people, resulting in 200 to 300 new cases each year in NSW. Beyond the primary symptoms, patients often experience chronic pain, fatigue, and gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms, significantly affecting their ability to work and engage in daily activities.

Addressing Service Gaps

Recognising the need for comprehensive FND care, Dr. Mohan and his team of researchers and clinicians spearheaded the establishment of the Mindgardens FND Clinic with seed funding from Mindgardens Neuroscience Network. Initially launched as a pilot project, the clinic develops tailored programs of intervention for individuals and works with their referring doctors to ensure the support can continue after they complete the intensive clinic program. It also evaluates interdisciplinary FND care effectiveness and provides recommendations for future services.

Collaboration and Excellence

The Mindgardens FND Clinic operates within the Neuropsychiatric Institute, a clinical academic facility affiliated with the Prince of Wales Hospital at Randwick. Clinical researchers from South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD), UNSW, and NeuRA (Neuroscience Research Australia) actively contribute to the clinic’s success.

Dr. Mohan expressed gratitude to the dedicated team of clinicians and researchers who have made this achievement possible.

“Our mission is to transform FND care by bridging gaps and ensuring patients receive comprehensive, evidence-based treatment,” he stated.

Professor Jackie Curtis, Executive Director of Mindgardens Neuroscience Network, congratulated Dr Mohan and the FND Clinic team.

“This award recognises the power of combining an innovative clinical service with research,” she said.

“The Mindgardens FND Clinic demonstrates how new findings can be applied rapidly in everyday practice, to produce better outcomes for people with this complex condition.

I am delighted Mindgardens was able to support the team in making this idea a reality, and I look forward to watching this much-needed service go from strength to strength.”

For more information about the Mindgardens FND Clinic, visit: https://lnkd.in/gT2edMgW