Frequently Asked Questions
You are here
About Our Service:
Are you a clinical services provider?
No, we are not a treatment provider. We are a non-profit organization with different functions. One of our functions is to support patients with FND, to the extent of our resources, to receive treatment.
How much do your services cost?
We do not charge for any services.
Is this a society I can be a member of?
This is a small organization formed by professionals and several public members. It is not a membership-based organization. We welcome your comments or suggestions and appreciate your involvement in FND services. Please visit the links section for a list of few organizations serving patients with FND.
Do you have branches in locations other than Victoria, British Columbia?
We operate only from the city of Victoria
Are you part of FND Hope?
Our Service and FND Hope collaborate to serve patients with FND. We have different work objectives though.
Are you part of Island Health Authority (VIHA)?
No. As we operate out of Victoria, we serve many patients referred by clinicians from Vancouver Island Health Authority, but we are not a part of VIHA.
Do you accept donations from patients and families?
No, We have a consistent but limited fund being donated to the society. This donation is intended to provide patients with uninsured services. While we do not accept donations from patients or families, we encourage you, if you are able, to support other community healthcare organizations
W
About Referral and Treatment :
Are you a doctor's office?
No, we are a non-profit organization providing multiple services for patients with FND, and their carers. We developed some of our service to help patients with FND access therapies that are not insured by provincial plans.
My referral was not accepted, why?
We want to be of help to every patient , but unfortunately we cant. We have very limited resources. When we are no longer able to assist, we cannot offer to see you. We also aim to support patients who are likely to benefit from our services.
How would my doctor if you are no longer accept new clients?
We announce on this website when any service is no longer accepting new referrals. Please check the list of services in the PATIENTS and in the PROFESSIONALS sections of this website.
Can clients self-refer?
No, clients must be referred by a doctor or nurse practitioner. There must be a neurology or physiatry evaluation before your referral to this program. The evaluation should confirm that a diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder has been made.
Can any physician or nurse practitioner refer a client?
Although any doctor or nurse practitioner can refer, we need supporting documentation from a neurologist, a physiatrist or other specialist supporting that you have a diagnosis of FND.
Do you have an inpatient unit?
No, we do not.
Can I attend more than one therapy at a time?
Generally, if accepted, you will be attending one therapy. Once our resources improve, we will be able to support you to receive multiple services.
Why do you administer some treatments in groups?
For several reasons. The most important of which is that we see considerable benefits to patients in group settings. Additionally, the evidence shows a lot of benefit for group treatments in certain areas. We also do not have the resources to administer some activities like education on an individual basis.
Do you offer family therapy?
Yes
Do you offer psychoanalysis?
No
Do you accept out of province (outside of BC) referrals?
We are looking for options to make this a possibility.
Do you accept patients from other BC locations?
We do for all services accepting new patients. You do need to travel to us to be seen though. We offer only some services through telehealth, but not every service can be offered remotely.
I was involved in a car accident. Can I be referred by my lawyer?
No, we are a treatment service, we are not a legal service.
Can my partner attend the appointment with me?
Yes, your partner can be present for some of the appointments. You are encouraged to involve your partner and family in care planning if you are comfortable with that.
Will disability cut me off if they see that my diagnosis is Functional, rather than structural, Neurological Disorder?
While it is not our decision whether a patient is deemed disabled or not by their insurance provider, FND is a condition that can result in significant disability.
Would you support me if I apply for disability?
Our current research points to that people who return to work or education are more likely to improve in the long-term. We understand though that FND can be a source of disability, and if indicated, we will support your application.
Can I attend this program while I am attending neurological rehabilitation elsewhere?
If indicated, yes.
Can I attend this program while I am in the hospital?
If indicated, timely and achievable, yes.
What are the other resources for the community to help support my family?
Please refer to the links section, you may find other suitable resources there, or follow these links to explore what resources are suitable for you.
About FND:
Can I be referred by physician for investigations to confirm the diagnosis of a Functional Neurological Disorder?
No, we support treatment services only. There are multiple outpatient and inpatient clinics and services that are capable of diagnosing Functional Neurological Disorder, but very limited services for ongoing treatment of patients with this condition. Our role is to fill this treatment gap. Your family physician can refer you to a neurologist to assess you for the diagnosis of FND. Functional Neurological Disorder is a diagnosis that is generally made by examination, not through investigation or repeated investigations.
What if turns out that I have another rare condition that looks like Functional Neurological Disorder?
When the diagnosis of FND is made by an experienced specialist, the rate of misdiagnosis is low. Research repeatedly confirms this. Monitoring for other conditions that may develop or rare concurrent differential diagnosis is sometimes indicated. This is a point you need to discuss with your referring clinician.
Can I have 'everything' done first before the diagnosis of FND is made?
Pursuing unnecessary investigations commonly results in more suffering, more uncertainty, and slow down your treatment steps. When the diagnosis of FND is made by an experienced specialist, the possibility of identifying another condition through tests is very low. The chance of finding an alternative path towards a cure is meagre.
Is Functional Neurological Disorder what they call "somatization"?
No
Is Functional Neurological Disorder what they call "health anxiety"?
No
Is FND a neurological condition or a psychiatric condition?
It is a condition that affects the nervous system function.
Is 'Functional Neurological Disorder' a rename to make patients accept a diagnosis?
No. 'Functional Neurological Disorder' is a more accurate term. It allows better understanding of symptoms, and gives a more clear direction for research. Diagnostic terms consistently change in all branches of medicine and with many illnesses. This happens because of science make new discoveries, and illnesses become more and more defined.