Neuropsychiatry Program

Our Neuropsychiatry Program offers a comprehensive clinical service to patients who have psychological difficulties secondary to neurological illness.

While the main clinical focus centres on patients with multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury and Functional Neurological Disorder, expertise is available across the whole spectrum of neuropsychiatric disorders.

Assessments include detailed brain imaging and cognitive (neuropsychological) testing. The Neuropsychiatry Program also has a strong research component that complements the clinical focus (i.e., MS, TBI and FND). The program has been successful in attracting considerable grant support and has a strong publication track record.

The Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) neuropsychiatry clinic run by Dr. Matthew Burke provides assessment to patients already diagnosed with FND by a neurologist and require further education, formulation, and management strategies.

Functional Neurological Disorder referral:

Inclusion criteria:

1. Patients have been diagnosed with a core FND diagnosis (e.g. functional paralysis, functional seizures, etc.) by neurologist.
2. Referrals coming from family physician (or other referral source) must include a copy of the neurologist report.

Exclusion criteria:

1. We are not able to accept referrals where chronic pain or other non-specific/unexplained somatic symptoms are the patient’s primary issues.
2. Purpose of second opinion (where diagnosis of FND has not been established yet)
3. The patient has major comorbidities (e.g. psychotic disorder or other severe mental illness) or situational factors (e.g., active litigation) that would limit participation and/or benefit from a consultation in this clinic.

An allied area of research and clinical practice relates to how journalists who cover war and disaster zones cope psychologically with the dangers and stressors confronted. This work led to a documentary, "Under Fire. Journalists in Combat" that was shortlisted for a 2012 Academy Award.