Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥

FND is a distressing condition, affecting approximately 50/100,000 people worldwide. Those with FND experience a range of symptoms (cognitive, motoric, sensory) caused by miscommunication within the nervous system. Additional diagnoses such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and chronic pain often co-occur with FND, further impacting functioning abilities and quality of life of those with FND. 

Because of the variability of different experiences and needs, it can be difficult to determine suitable treatment options that are flexible and individualised to successfully target the unique needs of each patient.

The clinical protocol, referred to as the MTFUND protocol (Music Therapy for Functional Neurological Disorder) was refined following a pilot study in 2017-2018. The MTFUND protocol was used in a subsequent clinical study from 2021-2023 at the Music Therapy Clinic for Research and Training, Department of Music, Art, and Culture Studies, JYU. 

Results of the study illustrate the flexible, multi-purpose utilisation of music therapy interventions within the MTFUND protocol, and their ability to address a range of physiological and psychological needs of the referred patients with FND. The majority of participants in the study saw an improvement or elimination of their FND symptom(s). 

Participants commented their improved understanding of the integrated relationship between their mind and body, and that this, in combination with learned coping mechanisms and/or relief of symptoms, has impacted their everyday well-being, quality of life, and ability to function in occupational and social contexts. 

FM Mikaela Leandertz defends her doctoral dissertation in Music Therapy "Multimodal Vibroacoustic Music Therapy for Functional Neurological Disorder: Development of a Clinical Model" on 31 May 2024 at 12 noon, at H320, Historica, Seminaarinmäki Campus, Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥. Opponent is PhD, Psychotherapist Marko Punkanen (Chiflow Sound and Music Oy) and custos is associate professor Esa Ala-Ruona (Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥).

A streaming link is available for remote viewing: 

Publication information: 

Bio: 

Mikaela Leandertz is a board-certified music therapist and current doctoral candidate in music therapy at the Department of Music, Art & Culture Studies at JYU. Her previous work as a music therapist within inpatient rehabilitation settings have influenced her current research in medical contexts as well as her commitment to multidisciplinary collaboration in research and practice. 

Contact:

Mikaela Leandertz,mikaela.c.leandertz@jyu.fi, 040 5705002