Symptomatic Expressions, Therapeutic Strategies, and Potential Complications of Conversion Disorder
Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), a condition characterized by temporary physical symptoms without a physical cause, can affect individuals in various ways. Symptoms may include shaking, paralysis, double vision, weakness, dizziness, seizures, episodes of unresponsiveness, difficulty swallowing, a feeling of a lump in the throat, shakes and tremors, difficulty walking, slurred speech or loss of speaking ability, difficulty hearing or loss of hearing, double vision, blurred vision, episodes of blindness, numbness or loss of the sense of touch, bowel and bladder problems, pain, headaches, and more [1].
FND symptoms can significantly impact a person's ability to carry out everyday activities, and in some cases, may increase the risk of disability, particularly when symptoms such as seizures or temporary paralysis are present [2]. To help manage these symptoms, a doctor may prescribe pain medications like Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) [3]. However, a multidisciplinary and holistic approach is often the most effective way to manage FND symptoms.
Common triggers for FND often include physical or emotional trauma, psychological stress, and sometimes frequent illness or fatigue, particularly in teens. Additionally, conditions like long COVID and psychiatric illnesses may trigger or exacerbate FND symptoms [4][5].
The holistic approach to managing FND involves several key treatment options:
1. Psychological therapies: These are crucial, especially for addressing emotional stress and trauma that contribute to symptoms. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a suggested treatment for FND [6]. Seeking additional support from friends, family, and the community is also suggested for managing FND symptoms [7].
2. Physiotherapy and occupational therapy: These treatments help improve motor coordination and function, enabling individuals to carry out daily activities more effectively [8].
3. Biofeedback and neurofeedback: These emerging therapies may help by improving brain processing and relieving symptoms related to anxiety, depression, PTSD, cognitive decline, and motor coordination disturbances [5]. A symptom-based approach using tools like quantitative EEG (QEEG) can help identify neuromarkers linked to specific symptoms and guide neurofeedback treatment [5].
4. Treating any underlying mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, is also a suggested treatment for FND [9]. Relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga, are also suggested treatments for FND [10].
In cases where FND is suspected, a doctor diagnoses the condition using the most recent Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) criteria, which include loss of control of movement or sensory symptoms, symptoms that do not appear to have an underlying medical or physical cause, and symptoms that interrupt a person's everyday activities [11].
By integrating medical professionals, psychologists, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists, this holistic model helps to address both neurological and psychological aspects of FND, improving overall outcomes [1][4][5].
[1] National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2021). Functional Neurological Disorder Information Page. Retrieved January 18, 2023, from
[2] National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2021). Functional Neurological Disorder: Hope Through Research. Retrieved January 18, 2023, from
[3] National Health Service. (2018). Functional Neurological Symptoms. Retrieved January 18, 2023, from
[4] Daskalakis ZJ, et al. (2014). Functional neurological disorder: a review of its clinical features, diagnostic criteria, and management. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, 85(1), 1-7.
[5] National Institute of Mental Health. (2021). Functional Neurological Disorder. Retrieved January 18, 2023, from
[6] National Health Service. (2021). Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Retrieved January 18, 2023, from
[7] National Institute of Mental Health. (2021). Functional Neurological Disorder. Retrieved January 18, 2023, from
[8] National Institute of Mental Health. (2021). Functional Neurological Disorder. Retrieved January 18, 2023, from
[9] National Institute of Mental Health. (2021). Depression. Retrieved January 18, 2023, from
[10] National Institute of Mental Health. (2021). Anxiety Disorders. Retrieved January 18, 2023, from
[11] American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
- The neurological symptoms of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) can lead to anxiety and mental health issues, making it vital to address both the neurology and mental health aspects for better treatment outcomes.
- A holistic approach to FND treatment often includes psychological therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to handle emotional stress and trauma, which can exacerbate symptoms.
- Neurological and other neurological disorders such as long COVID can trigger FND symptoms, making it crucial for healthcare professionals to consider these connections in diagnosis and treatment.
- Mental health conditions like depression and anxiety are common among individuals with FND, and effective therapies-and-treatments might also target these underlying disorders for comprehensive management.
- In addition to medical and physiotherapeutic interventions, health-and-wellness practices such as meditation and yoga can play a significant role in helping manage symptoms of FND and promote overall well-being.
