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Functional neurological disorder
The content of this document is OFFICIAL.
Please note:
The research and literature reviews collated by our TAPIB Research Team are not to be
shared external to the Branch. These are for internal TAPIB use only and are intended to
assist our advisors with their reasonable and necessary decision-making.
Delegates have access to a wide variety of comprehensive guidance material. If Delegates
require further information on access or planning matters, they should contact TAPIB for
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The Research Team are unable to ensure that the information listed below provides an
accurate & up-to-date snapshot of these matters.
Research question: What is functional neurological disorder? How is it best diagnosed and
managed?
Date: 30/1/2024
Requestor: Casey s47F- personal and Heather
privacy
s47F- personal privacy
Endorsed by: Shannon s47F- personal
privacy
Researcher: Aaron s47F- personal privacy
Cleared by: Aaron s47F- personal privacy
1. Contents
Functional neurological disorder ................................................................................................ 1
1.
Contents .......................................................................................................................... 1
2.
Summary ......................................................................................................................... 2
3.
Previous TAPIB research ................................................................................................ 2
4.
Functional neurological disorder...................................................................................... 3
5.
Epidemiology ................................................................................................................... 3
5.1
In Australia ............................................................................................................... 3
6.
Diagnosis ........................................................................................................................ 4
6.1
Diagnosis requires positive evidence of symptoms .................................................. 4
6.2
Assessment .............................................................................................................. 4
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6.3
Diagnosing clinician ................................................................................................. 5
6.4
DSM-5 diagnostic criteria ......................................................................................... 5
6.5
ICD-11 diagnostic criteria ......................................................................................... 6
7. Presentation .................................................................................................................... 6
7.1
Symptoms ................................................................................................................ 6
7.2
Functional impact ..................................................................................................... 7
8. Management ................................................................................................................... 8
8.1
Recommendations ................................................................................................... 8
8.2
Treatment outcomes ................................................................................................ 9
8.3
Evidence of efficacy of management strategies ..................................................... 10
9. References .................................................................................................................... 10
2. Summary
Functional neurological disorder is a psychiatric condition in which neurological symptoms are
present but inconsistent with any known medical condition. People with the condition often
present with a diverse range of motor, sensory or cognitive symptoms that can significantly
affect their quality of life and daily functioning.
Accurate estimates of incidence and prevalence are difficult to find, though recent estimates
suggest global incidence of 10 – 22 per 100,000 people and prevalence of 80 – 140 per
100,000 people.
Diagnosis of functional neurological disorder can be made on the basis of diagnostic criteria
from the
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or the
International
Classification of Diseases.
Most treatment and management guidelines recommend a multidisciplinary approach with
individualised treatment strategies to address specific symptoms. However, limitations in the
literature mean further evidence is required in some areas.
3. Previous TAPIB research
This paper incorporates content from previous versions of RES 018 Functional neurological
seizure disorder.
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4. Functional neurological disorder
Functional neurological disorder is a psychiatric condition in which neurological symptoms
(especially motor or sensory symptoms) are present but inconsistent with any medical
condition (World Health Organisation, 2024; APA, 2022).
The American Psychological Association’s
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders (DSM-5) classifies functional neurological disorder as a somatic symptom related
disorder under the label functional neurological symptom disorder. Somatic symptom related
disorders are psychiatric conditions which present with physical or bodily symptoms (e.g.
vision loss, seizures, limb weakness or paralysis, speech articulation issues etc.) (APA, 2022).
The World Health Organisation's
International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) classifies
functional neurological disorder as a dissociative disorder under the label dissociative
neurological symptom disorder. Under this classification, functional neurological disorder is an
impairment (“disruption or discontinuity”) to the integration of behavioural or psychological
functions (e.g. sensations, perceptions, voluntary control of bodily movements, thoughts)
(World Health Organisation, 2024).
Functional neurological disorder was previously known as conversion disorder. This term was
used in past editions of the DSM. It refers to a psychoanalytic theory regarding the
unconscious origins of the physical symptoms of functional neurological disorder. Conversion
disorder is still used in some of the clinical and research literature, though this is no longer the
official terminology (FND SIG, 2024; APA, 2022).
5. Epidemiology
Accurate estimates of frequency of functional neurological disorder are difficult to find due to
misdiagnosis and changing diagnostic criteria (6. Diagnosis) as well as wide variability in the
presentation of the condition (7. Presentation). Women are more likely to be diagnosed with
functional neurological disorder, making up around 65-70% of the patient population (FND
SIG, 2024).
Estimates from a recent systematic review of incidence and prevalence studies (Finkelstein et
al, 2024) include:
incidence (adults and children) at 10 – 22 per 100,000
incidence
(children) at 1 – 18 per 100,000
Prevalence at 80 – 140 per 100,000 (range 50 – 1600).
5.1 In
Australia
There are few prevalence or incidence studies of functional neurological disorder in Australia.
An early study offered an incidence estimate for paediatric functional neurological disorder at 2
– 2.6 per 100,000 people (Finkelstein et al, 2024). In a 2016 Australian study, 15% of all the
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new presentations to an outpatient neurology clinic were diagnosed with functional
neurological disorder (Ahmad & Ahmad, 2016). A 2024 study identified 16 specialist clinics
with expertise in functional neurological disorder across Australia and New Zealand (Connors
et al, 2024).
Applying estimates of global prevalence from Finkelstein et al (2024) to Australia’s current
population (26 million) there may be at least 20,800 – 36,400 people with functional
neurological disorder in Australia.
6. Diagnosis
Diagnosis of functional neurological disorder can be made on the basis of diagnostic criteria
from the DSM-5 or the ICD-11.
Patients may wait years between initial symptoms and a correct diagnosis (Medina et al, 2021;
Edwards, 2020) and often have a history of negative experiences of healthcare (Bennet et al,
2021).
For some people with functional neurological disorder, an accurate diagnosis can itself lead to
reduction or cessation of symptoms (Edwards, 2020). For others, discussing the symptoms
may exacerbate them (FND SIG, 2024).
6.1 Diagnosis requires positive evidence of symptoms
Diagnosis should not be made because some symptoms cannot be explained, are out-of-the-
ordinary, or do not fit with another condition (Mavroudis et al, 2024; APA, 2022; Bennet et al,
2021; Edwards, 2020). Although other medical conditions must be ruled out as possible
explanations for the symptoms, functional neurological disorder is not a diagnosis of exclusion.
Instead, diagnosis requires positive evidence of somatic symptoms demonstrating
“inconsistency between impaired voluntary movement and intact automatic movement” or
“incongruency with structural neurological disease” (FND SIG, 2024, p.14; Mavroudis et al,
2024; World Health Organisation, 2024; APA, 2022). This can include evidence of
inconsistency between clinical tests, that is, evidence that symptoms present on one method
of examination are not detected on another. For example, for those showing weakness of hip
extension or thigh abduction, a clinician might observe a return to normal strength with
contralateral hip abduction against resistance (APA, 2022).
6.2 Assessment
Diagnosis should be made by evaluating the overall clinical picture rather than relying on one
or two observations or tests. Gaining an overall clinical picture should include:
examination of the full list of symptoms (and not just the major somatic symptoms)
patient history, including previous diagnoses and healthcare interactions
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the patient’s opinion about their symptoms or diagnoses (FND SIG, 2024; APA,
2022; Edwards, 2020).
Some symptoms or features of the patient’s history may support a diagnosis by filling out the
overall clinical picture though they are not diagnostic criteria proper and should not be relied
upon too heavily. These include:
a history of other functional somatic symptoms or disorders, particularly including
pain and fatigue
significant stress or trauma around the time of symptom onset
a lack of concern about the symptom, even if serious (APA, 2022).
Other medical conditions should be ruled out as explanations for the symptoms. However,
people with other neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis or epilepsy, might also be
diagnosed with functional neurological disorder provided that there is also evidence of
symptom inconsistency or incongruity (FND SIG, 2024, p.14; World Health Organisation, 2024;
APA, 2022).
6.3 Diagnosing
clinician
Diagnosis of functional neurological disorder should be made by a healthcare professional with
experience diagnosing neurological conditions. Because symptoms are physical, people with
functional neurological disorder usually present to other clinicians before a neurologist or
psychiatrist (APA, 2022). Queensland’s Functional Neurological Disorder Special Interest
Group recommends diagnosis be made by a neurologist. Where access to a neurologist is not
possible, another specialist with subject matter knowledge may make the diagnosis, such as a
psychiatrist or rehabilitation specialist. This position is endorsed by Functional Neurological
Disorder Australia (FND SIG, 2024).
6.4 DSM-5 diagnostic criteria
The diagnostic criteria for functional neurological symptom disorder are:
A. One or more symptoms of altered voluntary motor or sensory function.
B. Clinical findings provide evidence of incompatibility between the symptom and
recognised neurological or medical conditions.
C. The symptom or deficit is not better explained by another medical or mental
disorder.
D. The symptom or deficit causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social,
occupational, or other important areas of functioning and warrants medical
evaluation (APA, 2022).
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6.5 ICD-11 diagnostic criteria
The diagnostic criteria for dissociative neurological symptom disorder are:
Involuntary disruption or discontinuity in the normal integration of motor, sensory, or
cognitive functions, lasting at least several hours.
Clinical findings are not consistent with a recognized Disease of the Nervous
System (e.g., a stroke) or another medical condition (e.g., a head injury).
The symptoms do not occur exclusively during episodes of Trance Disorder,
Possession Trance Disorder, Dissociative Identity Disorder, or Partial Dissociative
Identity Disorder.
The symptoms are not due to the effects of a substance or medication on the central
nervous system, including withdrawal effects, do not occur exclusively during
hypnagogic or hypnopompic states, and are not due to a Sleep-Wake disorder (e.g.,
Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder, Recurrent isolated sleep paralysis).
The symptoms are not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g.,
Schizophrenia or Other Primary Psychotic Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress
Disorder).
The symptoms result in significant impairment in personal, family, social,
educational, occupational or other important areas of functioning (World Health
Organisation, 2024).
7. Presentation
7.1 Symptoms
Most people with functional neurological disorder present with multiple symptoms (FND SIG,
2024; Edwards, 2020). In a large international survey study of people diagnosed with
functional neurological disorder, the authors found less than 1% of respondents reported a
single symptom, while over 50% reported 10 or more symptoms (FND SIG, 2024).
The most common groups of symptoms are dissociative or functional seizures, movement
disorders and sensory disorders (refer to Table 1 Common symptoms of functional
neurological disorder). Other symptoms can include brain fog, difficulty concentrating, fatigue,
dizziness, sleep dysfunction, dysphagia, incontinence and urinary retention (FND SIG, 2024;
Mavroudis et al, 2024; World Health Organisation, 2024; APA, 2022; Bennet et al, 2021;
Edwards, 2020).
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Table 1 – Common symptoms of functional neurological disorder (Source: FND SIG,
2024; Mavroudis et al, 2024; World Health Organisation, 2024; APA, 2022)
Functional seizures
Movement disorders
Sensory disorders
seizure-like movements limb weakness
pain
black outs or altered
paralysis
sensory loss (vision or
consciousness
hearing
feeling of lack of motor
gait disorder
tingling, numbness, pins
control
and needles
reduced or absent
tremor tinnitus
speech volume
dysarthria dystonia
vocalisations
tics, jerks and spasms
Memory loss
7.2 Functional
impact
Presence of significant distress or functional impairment is required for a diagnosis of
functional neurological disorder (World Health Organisation, 2024; APA, 2022; Pick et al,
2020). If changes in motor, sensory, or cognitive function are transient and do not cause
significant functional impairment, this does not meet criteria for diagnosis (World Health
Organisation, 2024).
Functional impairment associated with functional neurological disorder can be as significant as
other neurological conditions (Saunders et al, 2024; Bennet et al, 2021). In severe cases,
affected people may be unable to get out of bed or depend on a wheelchair for all mobility
(Saunders et al, 2024). However, it is difficult to generalise about the functional impact of
symptoms as the presentation of functional neurological disorder varies widely according to
the presence or absence of symptoms and their duration, chronicity, rate of progression and
severity (Mavroudis et al, 2024; World Health Organisation, 2024; APA, 2022). In addition,
current understanding of outcomes is usually based on low certainty evidence from small,
mostly hospital or clinic observational studies (Saunders et al, 2024) (refer to 8.2 Treatment
Outcomes).
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8. Management
8.1 Recommendations
Most recommendations suggest a management by a multidisciplinary team which may include
a general practitioner, psychiatrist, neurologist and allied health practitioners such as
physiotherapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, psychologist and social worker (FND
SIG, 2024; Molero-Mateoa & Molina-Rueda, 2024; Petrie et al, 2023; Pepper et al, 2022;
Gilmour et al, 2020; Nicholson et al, 2020). Individualised management strategies are
necessary due to the heterogenous presentation of symptoms and functional impairments
(Gilmour et al, 2020).
8.1.1 Functional Neurological Disorder Special Interest Group
Queensland’s Functional Neurological Disorder Special Interest Group published practice
guidelines including recommendations for diagnosis, assessment and management of
functional neurological disorder. Strength of their recommendations is rated from A to D in
descending order of confidence based on quality of studies that informed the recommendation.
Where research evidence was not available, the authors identified what they considered good
clinical practice (identified as Clinical Opinion in the list below).
[Clinical Opinion] The patient’s GP is informed of the diagnosis and provided
information on how to best support the patient in ongoing management.
[Clinical Opinion] The GP-patient relationship is recognised as pivotal as a way of
providing care in the longer term. They should have access to specialist advice and
be given opportunity for continuing professional development in the management of
FND.
[Clinical Opinion] The neurological assessment can be seen as the start of the
treatment in FND, not just a prelude to diagnosis.
[B] Effective explanation of a diagnosis of FND can alter key beliefs in patients and
foster helpful behavioural changes
[Clinical Opinion] Neurologists have a role in triaging to different types of evidence-
based treatment.
[A] Physiotherapy management should include facilitating normal movement,
retraining normal movement, addressing secondary changes and education
(including role of physiotherapy, activity pacing and long-term self-management of
symptoms)
[Clinical Opinion] Patients with FND often have problems coping with daily life, and
therefore, occupational therapy could be seen as a natural fit for treatment.
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[A] Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) alone compared to standard medical care
has proven to be beneficial in the treatment for FND.
[B] Provide evidence-based psychological therapy for the driver of the problem
and/or comorbid psychological condition - e.g., Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for
Borderline Personality Disorder, trauma-focused psychotherapy for PTSD.
[Clinical Opinion] Consider a referral to a psychiatrist for additional diagnostics and
treatment of psychiatric comorbidities in patients with FND.
[C] Social workers can provide transferrable practice skills which can be utilized to
promote better health outcomes for FND clients and their supporting networks.
[Clinical Opinion] Patients’ cultural backgrounds should be considered in
management, with good communication being a cornerstone of management.
[Clinical Opinion] The use of subacute rehabilitation services to manage patients
with FND should be considered on a case-by-case basis.
[B] The use of telehealth as delivery mode for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
is helpful in managing dissociative events.
[C] The use of telehealth to delivery physiotherapy and psychiatry to promote self-
management and for movement retraining.
8.2 Treatment
outcomes
Treatment response varies widely between individuals with functional neurological disorder
(Mavroudis et al, 2024; World Health Organisation, 2024; APA, 2022).
Current evidence suggests short duration of symptoms, early diagnosis and agreement with
the diagnosis are associated with better outcomes, whereas maladaptive personality traits,
comorbid physical disease, reluctance to participate in the full treatment program, inability to
identify therapy goals and receipt of disability benefits are correlated with worse outcomes
(FND SIG, 2024; APA, 2022). Severe and persist pain is a poor prognostic factor and often the
symptom causing the greatest functional impact (FND SIG, 2024). Fatigue, sleep difficulties
and cognitive symptoms such as difficulty concentrating may have more of an impact on
function and quality of life than motor symptoms associated with functional neurological
disorder (Bennet et al, 2021; Edwards, 2020).
One study suggests symptoms worsened after 7 years in 40% of people, with 20% of people
achieving remission (Petrie et al, 2023; Hallet et al, 2021). Other studies suggest up to two
thirds of patients achieve better outcomes (Gilmour et al, 2024; Gilmour et al, 2020). For
people experiencing functional seizures, recovery rates are estimated to be between 30% and
50% overall and 70% for children (FND SIG, 2024; Hallet et al, 2021).
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8.3 Evidence of efficacy of management strategies
Molero-Mateoa & Molina-Rueda (2024) identified moderate quality evidence that
physiotherapy improves motor symptoms, activity, perceived health, and quality of life in
people showing motor symptoms of functional neurological disorder.
Gutkin et al (2021) found that cognitive behavioural therapy and psychodynamic therapy could
improve physical symptoms, mental health, well-being, function and resource use for people.
Although they note the low quality of the studies included and identify the need for further
research to identify benefits of psychotherapy.
A systematic review of neurostimulation protocols has identified need for better quality studies
with consistent protocols to confidently assess the effectiveness of the treatment for people
with functional neurological disorder (Gonsalvez et al, 2021).
9. References
Ahmad, O., & Ahmad, K. E. (2016). Functional neurological disorders in outpatient practice: An
Australian cohort.
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Society of Australasia,
28, 93–96. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jocn.2015.11.020
American Psychiatric Association. (2022).
Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental
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Bennett, K., Diamond, C., Hoeritzauer, I., Gardiner, P., McWhirter, L., Carson, A., & Stone, J.
(2021). A practical review of functional neurological disorder (FND) for the general
physician.
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21(1), 28–36.
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Boylan, K. A., Dworetzky, B. A., Baslet, G., Polich, G., Angela O'Neal, M., & Reinsberger, C.
(2024). Functional neurological disorder, physical activity and exercise: What we know
and what we can learn from comorbid disorders.
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Connors, M. H., Kinder, J., Swift, E., Kanaan, R. A., Sachdev, P. S., & Mohan, A. (2024).
Functional neurological disorder clinics in Australasia: A binational survey.
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126, 80-85. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jocn.2024.05.043
Finkelstein, S. A., Diamond, C., Carson, A., & Stone, J. (2024). Incidence and prevalence of
functional neurological disorder: a systematic review.
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Neurosurgery & Psychiatry. https://doi.org/10.1136/jnnp-2024-334767
Gilmour, G. S., Nielsen, G., Teodoro, T., Yogarajah, M., Coebergh, J. A., Dilley, M. D.,
Martino, D., & Edwards, M. J. (2020). Management of functional neurological disorder.
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Gilmour, G. S., Langer, L. K., Bhatt, H., MacGillivray, L., & Lidstone, S. C. (2024). Factors
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Humblestone, S., Jinadu, H., Lumsden, C., MacLean, J., Main, L., Macgregor, L.,
Nielsen, G., Oakley, L., Price, J., Ranford, J., Ranu, J., Sum, E., & Stone, J. (2020).
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Petrie, D., Lehn, A., Barratt, J., Hughes, A., Roberts, K., Fitzhenry, S., & Gane, E. (2023). How
Is Functional Neurological Disorder Managed in Australian Hospitals? A Multi-Site
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Westguard, A., Brown, R. J., Carson, A. J., Chalder, T., Damianova, M., David, A. S.,
Edwards, M. J., Epstein, S. A., Espay, A. J., Garcin, B., Goldstein, L. H., Hallett, M.,
Jankovic, J., Joyce, E. M., … Nicholson, T. R. (2020). Outcome measurement in
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FINAL-20-May-2024.pdf
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(2024). Treatment outcomes in the inpatient management of severe functional
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(2024). Pain and functional neurological disorder: a systematic review and meta-
analysis.
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morbidity statistics (11th ed.). 6B60 Dissociative neurological symptom disorder.
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