EMERGENCY:Suicidal thoughts, severe psychiatric distress, new functional symptoms with safety risk, or acute breakdown in coping —call040-46324365immediately — 24 hours, 7 days— 24/7
Functional & Psychiatric Neurological Disorders:
Real Conditions, Neurobiological Causes, Evidence-Based Treatment
KIMS Neuroscience Hyderabad provides specialist diagnosis and evidence-based treatment for FND, conversion disorder, psychogenic movement disorders, ADHD, GAD and PTSD — disorders of how the brain works, deserving exactly the same specialist care as any structural neurological condition.
6 Major Disorders
Neuro-Psychiatry MDT
040-46324365
Functional and psychiatric neurological disorders are conditions in which the brain's networks malfunction — producing real symptoms (weakness, tremor, seizures, attention impairment, anxiety, intrusive memories) without an identifiable structural lesion such as a tumour, stroke, or MS plaque. They are neurobiological disorders, not character flaws. Several — Functional Neurological Disorder, conversion disorder, psychogenic movement disorders, ADHD, generalised anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder — respond well to evidence-based treatment including specialist physiotherapy, CBT, EMDR, and selected medications. KIMS Neuroscience Hyderabad treats them in the same neurology and neuropsychiatry programme as any other neurological condition — same entrance, same dignity.
- What they are
- Disorders of brain function — diagnosed and treated as neurobiological conditions, not character flaws. They include functional neurological disorder, ADHD, anxiety disorders, and PTSD, alongside conversion disorder and psychogenic movement disorders.
- Conditions covered
- Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) · Conversion Disorder · Psychogenic Movement Disorders · ADHD · Generalised Anxiety Disorder · Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
- FND is real, not imagined
- Functional Neurological Disorder produces genuine weakness, tremor, and seizures from abnormal brain-network function — diagnosed by positive clinical signs (Hoover's sign, entrainment, co-contraction), not by exclusion. Treatment with specialist physiotherapy and CBT is effective.
- Evidence-based treatments at KIMS
- Trauma-focused CBT · EMDR · SSRIs and SNRIs · Methylphenidate, atomoxetine, and lisdexamfetamine for ADHD · Specialist FND physiotherapy · All current international standards.
- Diagnostic instruments
- Hoover's sign, entrainment, and co-contraction for FND · CAARS and ASRS for ADHD · GAD-7 for anxiety · PCL-5 for PTSD.
- Non-stigmatising care
- These conditions are managed in the same neurology and neuropsychiatry pathway as any other neurological disorder — same entrance, same team, same dignity. The brain is an organ like any other.
- Contact KIMS
- Outpatient: 040-44885000 · Emergency / crisis: 040-46324365 · Crisis helplines: iCall 9152987821 · Vandrevala Foundation 1860-2662-345
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Conditions covered | FND · Conversion Disorder · Psychogenic Movement Disorders · ADHD · Generalised Anxiety Disorder · PTSD |
| FND diagnosis | Made by positive clinical signs (Hoover, entrainment, co-contraction), not by exclusion · Specialist physiotherapy and CBT are the core treatments |
| ADHD treatment | Methylphenidate · Atomoxetine · Lisdexamfetamine · CBT and behavioural support · School / workplace accommodations · Effective for both children and adults |
| GAD treatment | First-line CBT achieves remission in 60–70% · SSRIs and SNRIs effective where CBT alone is insufficient · Long-term recovery is the realistic goal, not just symptom control |
| PTSD treatment | Trauma-focused CBT and EMDR are first-line · SSRIs are effective adjuncts · Delayed-onset PTSD (>6 months after trauma) is a recognised pattern and still highly treatable |
| Language matters | Avoid: 'all in your head', 'imagined', 'fake', 'just anxiety' · Use: 'functional', 'neurobiological', 'real and treatable', 'brain network disorder' |
| Contact | 040-44885000 (outpatient) · 040-46324365 (emergency) · iCall 9152987821 · Vandrevala 1860-2662-345 · No referral required |
What Are Functional & Psychiatric Neurological Disorders?
These are conditions in which the brain's function is disrupted, not its structure — the neural networks that control movement, sensation, attention, fear processing, and emotional regulation operate abnormally. The lived experience is one of genuine disability: not exaggeration, not attention-seeking, and not a failure of willpower.
FND produces real paralysis, real seizures, and real sensory loss — not because of a tumour or MS lesion, but because the motor and sensory networks have lost normal regulatory control. ADHD reflects measurable differences in dopamine signalling. GAD and PTSD cause neurobiological dysregulation that responds to CBT, EMDR, and SSRIs. Calling any of these "all in the head" is factually wrong and therapeutically harmful.
Signs That Warrant Specialist Assessment
• Unexplained tremor or weakness with normal MRI
• Seizures unresponsive to antiepileptic drugs
• Sudden loss of speech, vision, or limb function
• Lifelong inattention and underperformance
• Persistent uncontrollable worry with somatic symptoms
• Intrusive trauma memories or nightmares
The Language That Heals — And the Language That Harms
Many patients reaching KIMS have been dismissed, misunderstood, or stigmatised. The words used in clinic shape the therapeutic relationship and recovery.
Never Used
“All in your head”
“Imagined”
“Fake”
“Not a real disease”
“Psychosomatic (without explanation)”
“Attention-seeking”
“Just anxiety”
Always Used
“Functional (brain function, not whether it is real)”
“Neurobiological”
“Real and treatable”
“Brain network disorder”
“Evidence-based treatment available”
Conditions We Treat
01
Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)
Real weakness, tremor, and seizures from abnormal brain network functioning — diagnosed with positive clinical signs.
View Details →02
Conversion Disorder
Stress-linked functional neurological symptoms — treated with CBT, physiotherapy, and psychoeducation.
View Details →03
Psychogenic Movement Disorders (PMD)
Functional tremor, dystonia, myoclonus and gait disorder — specialist physiotherapy plus CBT.
View Details →04
ADHD
Neurodevelopmental disorder of attention and executive function — assessment for children and adults.
View Details →05
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Excessive, uncontrollable worry with physical symptoms — first-line CBT and SSRI / SNRI therapy.
View Details →06
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Neurobiological dysregulation of the fear response after trauma — TF-CBT, EMDR, and SSRIs available.
View Details →Overview Comparison — All 6 Conditions
| Condition | Core Mechanism | Onset | Key Features | Diagnosis at KIMS | Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) | Abnormal brain network functioning without structural disease | Any age; often precipitated by physical or psychological stressor | Tremor, weakness, seizures, gait disturbance, sensory loss — variable, distractible | Positive clinical signs (Hoover, entrainment); normal structural MRI; fMRI research | Physiotherapy, CBT, MDT rehabilitation |
| Conversion Disorder | Subtype of FND; stress-linked functional symptoms | Any age; associated with psychological stressor | Motor or sensory symptoms (paralysis, blindness, mutism) linked to identifiable stressor | Same as FND; stressor link often present but not required | CBT, physiotherapy, psychoeducation |
| Psychogenic Movement Disorders (PMD) | Functional movement symptoms; subtype of FND | Variable; peak in middle-aged women | Tremor (variable, distractible), dystonia (fixed, inconsistent), myoclonus, functional gait | Positive clinical exam signs; video; EMG in research; normal structural MRI | Specialised physiotherapy + CBT |
| ADHD | Neurodevelopmental disorder of attention, impulse control, executive function | Childhood onset; ~50% persist into adulthood | Inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity; affects school, work, relationships | DSM-5 / ICD-11; neuropsychological testing; rating scales | Methylphenidate, atomoxetine, lisdexamfetamine; CBT; parent training |
| Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) | Chronic, excessive, uncontrollable worry across multiple domains | Any age; peak early adult life | Worry, restlessness, muscle tension, fatigue, poor concentration, sleep disturbance | DSM-5; PHQ-4 / GAD-7 screening; rule out thyroid, cardiac causes | CBT (first line); SSRI or SNRI; buspirone; pregabalin |
| PTSD | Dysregulation of fear memory and threat processing after trauma | Following traumatic event; any age; delayed onset possible | Intrusive memories, nightmares, hypervigilance, avoidance, emotional numbing | PCL-5 / PCL-C; DSM-5; identified traumatic event + symptom domains | TF-CBT; EMDR; SSRIs (sertraline, paroxetine); prazosin for nightmares |
The KIMS Treatment Pillars
Positive Clinical Diagnosis
FND diagnosed on Hoover, entrainment and co-contraction signs; ADHD with CAARS/ASRS; GAD-7 and PCL-5 for anxiety and PTSD.
Evidence-Based Treatment
Trauma-focused CBT, EMDR, SSRIs/SNRIs, methylphenidate, atomoxetine and lisdexamfetamine — all current international standards.
Integrated Neuro-Psychiatry
Neurology, psychiatry, neuropsychology, and physiotherapy teams collaborate on every complex case.
Non-Stigmatising Care
Same clinical pathway, same entrance, same dignity — these are medical disorders of brain function, treated as such.
India-Specific Context
Mental health stigma is significant in India. Many patients reach KIMS only after years of misdiagnosis, dismissal, or family pressure to "get over it." Here is what is most relevant for Indian patients and families:
FND and Misdiagnosis
Estimated second most common reason for outpatient neurology consultation after headache — yet chronically underrecognised. Many patients receive antiepileptic medication for years for functional seizures. KIMS uses video-EEG to distinguish epileptic from functional seizures, and FND is diagnosed positively on clinical signs.
ADHD in India
Diagnosis rates in Indian children are 5–11% of the school-age population, similar to international prevalence — but diagnosis and treatment are underutilised, especially in girls and adults. KIMS uses CAARS, ASRS, clinical interview, and neuropsychological testing for adult ADHD assessment.
Anxiety and PTSD in India
Many patients present first with somatic complaints (palpitations, chest pain, headache, dizziness) and are investigated extensively for cardiac and neurological causes before anxiety or trauma is identified. KIMS provides a systematic psychiatric and neurological review.
Safe Messaging
Content touching on suicidality or self-harm follows WHO safe messaging guidelines: no detailed method description, crisis resources always included, and help-seeking framed positively. KIMS emergency psychiatric contact: 040-46324365.
Confidential Consultation
Our neurology and neuropsychiatry team reviews every case in confidence. No referral required. You are not making it up. You are in the right place.
Why Choose KIMS Neuroscience?
Integrated Neurology + Neuropsychiatry MDT
Video-EEG to distinguish epileptic vs functional seizures
Validated tools: CAARS, ASRS, GAD-7, PCL-5
TF-CBT, EMDR, and stimulant medication available
Non-stigmatising, confidential clinical pathway
Crisis Resources
If you or someone you know is in acute distress, help is available now.iCall (TISS)
9152987821
Vandrevala Foundation
1860-2662-345
KIMS Emergency
040-46324365
Common Questions
Functional means that the brain's function — the way its neural networks operate — is disrupted, without a structural disease (tumour, stroke, or MS lesion) causing it. The symptoms are absolutely real: the person cannot voluntarily move the affected limb; the seizures are real events that the person cannot control; the sensory loss is genuinely experienced. Functional does not mean imagined, fake, or invented. At KIMS, FND is diagnosed with positive clinical examination findings and treated with specialist physiotherapy and psychotherapy.
ADHD is a well-established neurodevelopmental condition with extensive neurobiological evidence: differences in dopamine and norepinephrine signalling in the prefrontal cortex; differences in brain development on MRI research; heritability of 70–80%; and a specific response to dopaminergic medications. ADHD symptoms are present across multiple settings (home AND school AND social situations), are significantly outside the normal range for age, and cause genuine impairment. Correct diagnosis with medication, CBT and school support is one of the most transformative interventions available in child psychiatry.
Yes — and this is one of the most common diagnostic journeys for GAD in India. Palpitations, chest tightness, dizziness, headache, nausea, and tingling are caused by the physiological effects of the anxiety response: adrenaline release, hyperventilation, autonomic activation. At KIMS, once structural causes are excluded, a specific anxiety assessment is arranged. CBT produces remission in 60–70% of patients, and SSRIs are effective when CBT alone is insufficient. You do not have to live like this. Call 040-44885000.
Yes. Delayed-onset PTSD — in which the full picture does not emerge until at least 6 months after the trauma — is a recognised phenomenon. Early symptoms may have been suppressed during a busy or demanding period and emerge later, or when a trauma reminder is encountered. The delay does not make PTSD less real or less treatable. TF-CBT and EMDR produce significant symptom reduction even in long-standing PTSD. Call 040-44885000.
No. These conditions are medical disorders of brain function, and seeking specialist assessment is exactly the same as seeing a cardiologist for a heart condition. At KIMS, the neuropsychiatry and neurology team sees ADHD, anxiety, PTSD, FND, and related conditions as part of the standard clinical programme — not in a separate mental health facility with a different entrance. The brain is an organ like any other. The most successful patients are those who sought assessment without letting stigma delay them for years.
Yes — direct appointments are accepted for neuropsychiatry, FND, ADHD, anxiety, and PTSD assessments. Outpatient: 040-44885000 (Mon–Sat). All consultations are confidential. For an active crisis — suicidal thoughts, severe psychiatric distress — call 040-46324365 immediately, or iCall on 9152987821, or Vandrevala on 1860-2662-345.
Initial consultation is typically 60 minutes for a thorough history and screening (GAD-7, PCL-5, CAARS or ASRS as applicable, neuro-psychiatric and neurological examination). FND assessment includes specific bedside signs (Hoover, entrainment, co-contraction). Treatment usually combines a specialist neurology or neuropsychiatry follow-up plan with structured therapy (CBT, EMDR, specialist FND physiotherapy) over weeks to months, with medication adjustment where indicated.
Real conditions. Real neurobiological causes. Real treatments.
Functional neurological disorder, ADHD, generalised anxiety disorder, and PTSD cause genuine disability and deserve the same specialist attention as epilepsy or Parkinson's disease. You are not making it up. You are not weak. You are in the right place.
International enquiries: info@kimsneurosciences.com