Understanding Functional Neurological Disorders (FNDs)
Functional Neurological Disorders (FNDs) are a series of conditions where the patient actually experiences a neurological symptom, such as paralysis, difficulty in swallowing, sensory disturbance, unexplained seizures, etc. This is not due to pathological damage or disease, but due to disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system. The symptoms may overlap with or coexist with migraine, multiple sclerosis (MS) or epilepsy, but FNDs are typically not paralysing or causing physical disability.
Understanding FNDs: A Simple Analogy
To think about FNDs on a more technical level, consider a computer. In a computer, a crash occurs when bad or malfunctioning software — such as a bug or a virus — causes the computer to stop functioning. Likewise, in FNDs, although your body’s “hardware” (the brain and the nerves) is not broken, at the level of the brain’s “software” (how the brain processes and sends signals to the body), something isn’t working properly, and the outward appearance can be that the body doesn’t work right.
Causes of Functional Neurological Disorders
The reasons that Functional Neurological Disorders come into existence are still largely a mystery, but more and more is being learned constantly. FNDs are usually the result of multiple factors and can differ greatly from individual to individual. Some triggers or reasons why your symptoms can become more severe or take longer to heal can include:
- Physical trauma: A previous physical trauma can act as a trigger.
- Disease and chronic fatigue: Some illnesses that call for long-term bedrest can result in FNDs.
- Emotional events, or trauma: Stressful life events, trauma, or complicated grief may cause symptoms.
- Current stressors: Persistent stress—such as work or family stress—can make symptoms worse.
- Family history of other kinds of neurologic disease: There may be a genetic component.
- Attention to symptoms is increased: People let themselves worry about or attend to symptoms in the body that can exacerbate the problem.
- Anxiety: Anxiety and stress are frequent causes.
In some instances, the causes of FNDs can also build up gradually. It’s often difficult for people to identify any one cause for their symptoms, which can be a very confusing, frustrating and anxiety-provoking situation.
Symptoms of FNDs
Functional Neurological Disorders affect people in different ways and symptoms can include:
- Chronic pain
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Poor concentration and memory
- Gait and balance problems
- Headaches and migraines
- Unintentional movements (shakes, tremors, jerking, etc.)
- Paralysis and weakness
- Non-epileptic seizures
- Sensory changes
- Sleep disturbances
- Speech problems
- Bladder and bowel changes
- Visual impairments
- Difficulty completing daily activities
It is important to understand that these symptoms are real, not imagined. People with FND cannot will their own symptoms away, and their symptoms may come and go or evolve.
Treatment for FNDs
The treatment of FNDs may depend on how severe the symptoms are and the unique features of the person. It is typically a team plan which may include:
- Psychotherapy: There are also psychological methods such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which help people to gain an insight into their symptoms, which can both make them worse and be made worse by them.
- Physiotherapy: You can be referred to a physiotherapist to help with mobility and physical recovery, strengthening and coordination.
- Antidepressants – sometimes, you may be prescribed medication (such as antidepressants to help with anxiety or depression which frequently co-occurs with FNDs).
The treatments are selected on an individual basis for each patient and can be continued as support for a bit longer.
Why Chase Lodge Hospital?
At Chase Lodge Hospital, we appreciate that Trichotillomania is not just a habit – it is a debilitating and distressing condition that deserves specialist treatment. Our approach focuses on:
✔ Individualised evidence-based intervention designed to meet specific patient needs.
✔ A group of specialists including psychiatrists, psychologists and therapists with experience in OCD and compulsive conduct.
✔ Individualised care in a supportive, confidential and non-judgmental environment.
We are dedicated to helping people take back control of their lives and feel better.
Book an Appointment at Chase Lodge Hospital
If you or someone you care about is battling Trichotillomania, the key to overcoming it is to seek proper guidance and support to get better.
📞 Get in touch to book with our mental health experts at Chase Lodge Hospital.
