Neuroimaging in Functional Neurological Disorder: State of the Field and Research Agenda

Functional neurological disorder (FND) was of great interest to early clinical neuroscience leaders. During the 20th century, neurology and psychiatry grew apart – leaving FND a borderland condition. Fortunately, renaissance has occurred in last two decades, fostered by increased recognition that is prevalent diagnosed using “rule-in” examination signs. The parallel use scientific tools bridge brain structure - function relationships helped refine an integrated biopsychosocial framework through which conceptualize FND. In particular, growing number quality neuroimaging studies variety methodologies have shed light on emerging pathophysiology This renewed with enhanced interdisciplinary collaborations, as illustrated new care models combining psychological physical therapies creation multidisciplinary society supporting knowledge dissemination field. Within this context, article summarizes output first International Neuroimaging Workgroup meeting, held virtually, June 17th, 2020 appraise state research field catalyze large-scale collaborations. We briefly summarize neural circuit FND, then detail approaches used date within core content areas: cohort characterization; control group considerations; task-based functional neuroimaging; resting-state networks; structural biomarkers symptom severity risk illness; predictors treatment response prognosis. Lastly, we outline neuroimaging-focused agenda elucidate aid development novel biologically psychologically-informed treatments.