Functional neurological disorders

Abstract

Referred to by the ancient Greeks as ‘Hysteria’, functional neurological disorders (FNDs) are one of the most prevalent diagnoses made in neurology clinics. Nonetheless, in part, due to the uncertainty regarding the potential voluntariness of such conditions, diagnostic and treatment services for FNDs are underdeveloped by comparison to those for other causes of neurological symptoms. This chapter discusses historical approaches to the classification and approach to FNDs, before moving on to contemporary treatments for it. Various treatments are then described with regard to certain forms of FNDs, such as the effects of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic interpersonal therapy on functional non-epileptic attacks and multidisciplinary inpatient treatment, physiotherapy, and hypnosis on functional motor disorder. Finally, the relative lack of treatment options for functional cognitive disorder (FCD) is discussed, along with the initial findings of a pilot randomized controlled trial for it.