Functional neurological disorders (FNDs) are defined as variety of neurological symptoms that are characterized by inconsistent and/or incongruent neurological findings. The prevalence of these disorders is rising, likely due to an increase in underlying risk factors—such as psychiatric comorbidities and unstable psychosocial conditions globally—as well as greater awareness among clinicians. This also results in financial and organizational burden on the healthcare system. Previous reports demonstrated a significant impairment in overall well-being associated with FNDs, which may be improved through treatment. This entry explores the latest advancements in FNDs’ treatment, with a special focus on psychotherapy, physical, occupational, and speech therapy. For psychotherapy, mainly cognitive behavioral interventions, psychodynamic therapy as well as relaxation and mindfulness techniques have been shown to be effective. Physiotherapy and occupational therapy are mainly focusing on retraining patterns of movement in FNDs. The primary goal of occupational therapy in FNDs is to identify barriers to daily activities and assess the need for walking aids or other adaptive equipment. Speech and language therapy for FNDs aims to improve illness perceptions, reduce self-focused attention, and correct atypical movement patterns by incorporating education, symptom management strategies, and cognitive-behavioral techniques within a supportive therapeutic environment. Evidence on pharmacological interventions in FNDs remains scarce, primarily focusing on managing comorbid psychiatric conditions like depression, anxiety, and sympathetic nervous system activation. Overall, substantial progress has been achieved in the treatment of FNDs, particularly with the implementation of psychotherapy and physical therapy. This highlights that a multidisciplinary approach is the most effective way to reduce disability in this patient group.

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Treatment of Functional Neurological Disorders

  • Anna Dunalska,
  • Kamila Saramak,
  • Katarzyna Smilowska,
  • Natalia Szejko

摘要

Functional neurological disorders (FNDs) are defined as variety of neurological symptoms that are characterized by inconsistent and/or incongruent neurological findings. The prevalence of these disorders is rising, likely due to an increase in underlying risk factors—such as psychiatric comorbidities and unstable psychosocial conditions globally—as well as greater awareness among clinicians. This also results in financial and organizational burden on the healthcare system. Previous reports demonstrated a significant impairment in overall well-being associated with FNDs, which may be improved through treatment. This entry explores the latest advancements in FNDs’ treatment, with a special focus on psychotherapy, physical, occupational, and speech therapy. For psychotherapy, mainly cognitive behavioral interventions, psychodynamic therapy as well as relaxation and mindfulness techniques have been shown to be effective. Physiotherapy and occupational therapy are mainly focusing on retraining patterns of movement in FNDs. The primary goal of occupational therapy in FNDs is to identify barriers to daily activities and assess the need for walking aids or other adaptive equipment. Speech and language therapy for FNDs aims to improve illness perceptions, reduce self-focused attention, and correct atypical movement patterns by incorporating education, symptom management strategies, and cognitive-behavioral techniques within a supportive therapeutic environment. Evidence on pharmacological interventions in FNDs remains scarce, primarily focusing on managing comorbid psychiatric conditions like depression, anxiety, and sympathetic nervous system activation. Overall, substantial progress has been achieved in the treatment of FNDs, particularly with the implementation of psychotherapy and physical therapy. This highlights that a multidisciplinary approach is the most effective way to reduce disability in this patient group.