Hope for FND Patients A clinical trial at RNSH is exploring a form of psychotherapy to treat functional neurological disorder (FND)—a condition marked by serious neurological symptoms such as weakness, paralysis, seizures, tremors and sensory problems, even though there is no structural brain damage. While this disease is common in Australian neurology clinics, accounting for around 30 per cent of patients, it remains poorly understood and has limited treatment options. “No matter what constellation of symptoms, it can be very disabling, and quality of life is incredibly affected,” said advanced psychiatry trainee Dr Kelsey Josling. With no obvious physical cause, FND patients have long been stigmatised and treated in a variety of ways, from medication to speech pathology and occupational therapy. Since February 2025, Kelsey and psychiatry colleagues have been examining the effectiveness of short-term psychodynamic interpersonal therapy (PIT) for 10 FND patients at RNSH and Westmead hospitals. PIT therapy is a trauma-informed conversational approach that delves into how early life relational experiences and past traumas could manifest in current symptoms.
Participants complete seven sessions, with follow-up at six and 12 months. According to Kelsey, two patients have completed the therapy and shown signs of improvement. “It’s quite amazing how even just a short interaction in a safe relationship has helped these people”. Kelsey is a principal investigator on the study alongside Associate Professor Loyola McLean and Dr Ralf Ilchef, and her role is funded by the HETI Special Training Award and a RANZCP Foundation grant.
Advanced psychiatry trainee Dr Kelsey Josling is involved with a FND clinical trial
From Emergency Rooms to World Championship Dr Michelle Chen, Clinical Director of Virtual Care and Hospital in the Home Services at NSLHD, is gearing up to compete in her 11th World Championship triathlon this October, racing both Sprint and Standard distance Age Group events in Wollongong. Michelle outlined the similarities between being a doctor and triathlon.
Joining her this year is fellow NSLHD clinician Dr Gil Burton, who will compete in the Olympic distance. Dr Burton delivered both of Dr Chen’s children 21 and 19 years ago, adding a personal connection to their shared journey.
“Triathlon continues to teach me that how you do anything is how you do everything, a philosophy that guides the care, integrity, and commitment we bring across our district,” she said. “I’m proud to stand alongside exceptional athletes and look forward to bringing the lessons of high performance back to the teams and communities I serve.” Michelle began triathlon 12 years ago with no sporting background, drawn by the sport’s disciplines and welcoming community. Since then, she has competed in 10 world championships, including London, Edmonton, Chicago, and Auckland, even carrying the Australian flag in Chicago. Beyond racing, she volunteers and serves as the medical doctor for the World Cross Triathlon Championships.
Members of Spinal Cord Injuries Australia holding the ‘Rookie Book’ at RNSH Dr Michelle Chen in training for her 11th World Championship triathlon
11
WWW.NSLHD.HEALTH.NSW.GOV.AU
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online