Cognitive Conversations #9 Re-writing the narrative of Functional Neurological Disorders (bonus episode!)

In our previous conversation, we explored FND through the lens of neurology and linguistics, and our three experts spoke about re-writing the narrative of FND. One of the key issues highlighted during our conversation is the critical gap when it comes to general practitioners (GPs) and functional symptoms. This really struck a chord with me and so I went away and did some research and came across Dr Gillian Deakin, a GP based in Sydney who is particularly passionate about functional conditions, and has written a book titled What the hell is wrong with me? that addresses this very fraught and frustrating problem.  This is a special bonus episode that ties into Cognitive Conversations #9 from the perspective of a GP who is pushing for more awareness and advocacy around functional conditions in general practice. Enjoy listening, then read more in the Show Notes!

Meet today's guest: Dr Gillian Deakin has been studying and working in medicine for over 40 years, having graduated from Sydney University. She's worked as a doctor in Sydney and the Outback, where she cared for the cast and crew on a film set, and later, with the Royal Flying Doctors Service and the Aboriginal health services. After wintering in Antarctica as the medical officer at Davis research station, she completed her doctoral thesis, ‘Cardiovascular Risk Factors in the Antarctic’. She then undertook a master’s in public health at Sydney University, following which she directed an aid program on the remote islands of Kiribati. Returning to Sydney, she trained as a specialist GP. While keeping an up-to-date clinical knowledge of orthodox medicine, Dr Deakin has broadened her expertise through studies in nutrition and lifestyle medicine. Her first book, 101 things a GP would tell you if only there was time, was published in 2006. Her latest book is What the hell is wrong with me? How to recover from pain, fatigue, weakness and other undiagnosed symptoms. Dr Deakin has been featured on ABC Conversations and ABC Sydney Mornings. 

Connect with Dr Deakin on Instagram and visit her website. 

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