522. Functional Cognitive Disorder w/ Dr. Ryan Van Patten

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The Testing Psychologist Podcast

Dr. Jeremy Sharp: Licensed Psychologist & Private Practice Consultant

500 episodes

3 days ago

Come check it out as Dr. Jeremy Sharp covers everything you need to know to start or grow psychological assessment services in your private practice. We talk about finances, marketing, time management, self-care, technology, and life as a mental health practitioner. Jeremy chats with successful clinicians who share their experiences in testing and private practice to give you straightforward ideas for building thriving assessment services. Dr. Sharp is a Licensed Psychologist specializing in psychological and neuropsychological testing. Over the past seven years, he has grown the Colorado Center for Assessment & Counseling from a solo practice to a multi-clinician clinic with over 1000% revenue increase. http://www.thetestingpsychologist.com

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522. Functional Cognitive Disorder w/ Dr. Ryan Van Patten

The Testing Psychologist Podcast

49 minutes 29 seconds

2 months ago

522. Functional Cognitive Disorder w/ Dr. Ryan Van Patten

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I had a fascinating conversation with Dr. Ryan Van Patten, board-certified neuropsychologist, podcaster, and researcher, about the increasingly recognized but still misunderstood condition known as Functional Cognitive Disorder (FCD). We unpacked its place within the broader Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) umbrella, explored the core concept of “internal inconsistency” as a positive diagnostic sign, and discussed how clinicians can compassionately assess, diagnose, and treat FCD. We also delved into mechanisms like metacognition, abnormal Bayesian priors, and the nocebo effect. Ryan shared incredibly practical insights for assessment and feedback sessions, along with an honest look at what research and clinical resources are still missing.

Topics Covered

* Why FCD represents the “quintessential neuropsychiatric disorder”

* The biopsychosocial model and the “Four P’s” of formulation

* FND vs. malingering: clinical and neurological distinctions

* Internal inconsistency as a diagnostic hallmark of FCD

* How to assess FCD using interviews, behavioral observations, and testing

* Differentiating FCD from MCI and dementia

* Metacognition, memory perfectionism, and nocebo effects

* Providing compassionate, validating feedback to clients with FCD

* Treatment strategies clinicians can use today

* Research gaps and future directions for the field

Resources Mentioned

* Harriet Ball et al. (2020) – Diagnostic criteria for FCD

* Navigating Neuropsychology Podcast:

* FCD w/ Dr. Laura McWhirter – Episode 128

* FND w/ Dr. Mark Hallett – Episode 108

* Functional Seizures w/ Dr. Curt LaFrance – Episode 112

* Persistent Post-Concussive Symptoms w/ Dr. Noah Silverberg – Episode 147

* FND Society Education Hub – www.fndsociety.org/fnd-education

* FND Hope (patient education and advocacy) – www.fndhope.org

* Functional Neurological Disorder education portal – www.neurosymptoms.org

* KnowNeuropsych: Functional Neurological Disorders page

* Reuber et al. (2009) – Biopsychosocial model of FND

* Teodoro et al. (2023) – Mechanisms of FCD: Metacognition & Expectancy

* Cabreira et al. (2023) – Systematic review on FCD vs. dementia

Cool Things Mentioned

* The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting

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