We are excited to be able to share the invitation for this in-person investigating how stress affects the brains of women with functional neurological disorder (FND). The study is being run by researchers at the University of Melbourne, and involves a brain scan, saliva samples, and questionnaires. The full information from the researchers is below.

Participation is open to women aged over 18 who are able to attend the University of Melbourne to participate in the study.

FND Research Connect members have already been emailed an invitation to this study. If you haven’t received an invitation, you can email the researchers directly, at stress-fnd@unimelb.edu.au. We also recommend enrolling in FND Research Connect so that you can hear about new functional neurological disorder studies as they begin.

Study Information

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a disabling condition that affects how the brain communicates with the body. It can cause symptoms like seizures, tremors, weakness, and changes in sensation, even though there is no clear damage to the brain. These symptoms can be just as severe as those caused by other neurological conditions, yet FND is often misunderstood and under-researched.

FND is also more common in women, with around 70 percent of diagnosed cases occurring in females. Many people with FND report high levels of stress or past trauma, but we still don’t fully understand how stress might affect brain function in this condition, particularly in women.

The STRESS-FND Study is being led by researchers at the University of Melbourne. The goal is to better understand how stress-related changes in the body, such as fluctuations in the hormone cortisol, relate to brain function and symptoms in women with FND. By gaining clearer insight into these biological mechanisms, we hope to improve diagnosis and support the development of more targeted treatment options.

Taking part in the study involves three main steps:

• Collecting saliva samples at home over three days, to measure cortisol levels at different times of the day
• Completing a brain scan at the Melbourne Brain Centre Imaging Unit in Parkville
• Filling out short surveys on a smartphone across the same three days, capturing real-time information about mood, stress, and symptoms
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The study is open to women aged 18 to 65 who have a diagnosis of FND and are able to attend a brain scan in Melbourne. Everyone who takes part receives $200 (in Coles vouchers) to thank them for their time.

This research has been approved by the University of Melbourne Human Research Ethics Committee and is supported by a Women’s Health Catalyst Grant from the Victorian Government. The findings will help build a better understanding of how stress affects the brain in FND and support future research and treatment development that reflects the needs and experiences of women.