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FND Misunderstood: Patients Face Dismissal
27 Oct
Summary
- FND patients are often dismissed or told symptoms are psychological.
- Lack of training leads to doctor disagreements on FND diagnoses.
- Research calls for better communication and holistic FND care.
Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a condition where brain networks controlling functions like movement or speech malfunction, despite normal brain structure. Recent research indicates a significant lack of understanding about FND in the UK, leading to patients being dismissed, neglected, or not believed by healthcare professionals. Patients report being told their symptoms are "all in their head" or "psychosomatic."
A study published in Rheumatology International found that misdiagnosis and stigma are common. Researchers from the University of Cambridge and UEA identified deep disagreements among doctors regarding FND diagnoses, attributing this to insufficient training in the area. This inconsistency in care leaves many patients feeling invalidated and without proper support.
To address these issues, researchers are calling for enhanced communication, multidisciplinary teamwork, and a more holistic approach to patient care. They emphasize that FND symptoms are real and not under a patient's control. The study analyzed responses from over 1,800 patients, 400 clinicians, and the public, revealing that only 30% of patients agreed with an FND diagnosis when explained poorly.
FND is estimated to affect between 50,000 to 100,000 people in the UK, representing about 6% of neurology outpatient referrals. Its symptoms, including weakness, tremors, and functional seizures, can mimic conditions like Multiple Sclerosis or Parkinson's but stem from abnormal function rather than structural damage. The exact cause remains unclear, but potential triggers include illness, stress, or trauma.
Experts stress the importance of empathetic communication during diagnosis. Outdated ideas linking FND solely to psychological triggers persist, contributing to stigma. Patients need to feel heard and understood, with clear explanations and the reassurance that their symptoms are taken seriously. Without this, the study notes, some patients have experienced severe distress, even suicidal thoughts.
