In this article, the authors first describe the different working processes in the brain (e.g. allostasis, predictive processing, interoception and affect), followed by a focused review of the theory of constructed emotions, with a view to a more recent understanding of emotions. Based on this theoretical framework, they then hypothesise how the construction of an altered emotion category may be an integral part of the pathophysiology of a functional neurological disorder and associated functional somatic symptoms.
This article summarises the results of the first meeting of the international FND Neuroimaging Workgroup, held virtually on 17 June 2020, to assess the state of neuroscience research in this field. The authors first briefly summarise the models of neural circuits in people with FNDs, and then describe in detail the research approaches that have been used by researchers to date (e.g. Finally, they outline a research agenda to elucidate the pathophysiology of FND and to help develop new biologically and psychologically based treatments.
The article explains in a clear way the basic information about functional neurological disorder (definition, diagnosis based on positive diagnostic signs, psychological vulnerability as a risk factor and not necessarily as a cause, example of diagnosis and management of the patient). The article also includes an overview infographic with background information and an easy-to-understand explanation of positive diagnostic signs. The article has also been reviewed by leading FND organisations (FND Hope, FND Action, FND Dimensions, FND friends) in order to promote professional language that does not blame or assume psychological causality for the diagnosis of FND.
In this article, the authors highlight the significant advances in motor functional neurological disorder (mFND; more specifically functional movement disorder and functional impairment of the limbs and/or face) research that have taken place in the last 10 years (between 2011 and 2020). The article thus addresses recent changes in the understanding of the diagnosis, mechanisms and aetiological factors behind mFND, treatment and the ongoing stigma. The authors also suggest future directions for further development of the understanding of the disorder.
Although the evidence base on the pathophysiological, neuroscientific and biosociopsychological models of FND has increased significantly in the last year, the assumption that FND patients are simulating their symptoms still persists among healthcare professionals. In the present article, the authors present a range of available evidence that creates a clear distinction between FND and simulation.
In the article, the authors make a number of arguments to ensure a clear distinction between patients with FND and patients who are not credible in reporting their symptoms and are faking. The article provides a sound theoretical basis that can be followed by clinicians and academics in the management, diagnosis and treatment of patients with FND.
In this article, the authors first describe the different working processes in the brain (e.g. allostasis, predictive processing, interoception and affect), followed by a focused review of the theory of constructed emotions, with a view to a more recent understanding of emotions. Based on this theoretical framework, they then hypothesise how the construction of an altered emotion category may be an integral part of the pathophysiology of a functional neurological disorder and associated functional somatic symptoms.
This article summarises the results of the first meeting of the international FND Neuroimaging Workgroup, held virtually on 17 June 2020, to assess the state of neuroscience research in this field. The authors first briefly summarise the models of neural circuits in people with FNDs, and then describe in detail the research approaches that have been used by researchers to date (e.g. Finally, they outline a research agenda to elucidate the pathophysiology of FND and to help develop new biologically and psychologically based treatments.
Although the evidence base on the pathophysiological, neuroscientific and biosociopsychological models of FND has increased significantly in the last year, the assumption that FND patients are simulating their symptoms still persists among healthcare professionals. In the present article, the authors present a range of available evidence that creates a clear distinction between FND and simulation.
In this paper, the authors examine the psychological and biological aspects FND, from a neuroscientific perspective. They also address research on the impact of psychological stressors and explore the neurobiological mechanisms of the conversion of traumatic events into physical symptoms.
This paper briefly discusses the five constructs affected in FND: emotion processing (including salience), agentivity, attention, interoception, and predictive processing/conclusion. The underlying neural circuits include salience, multimodal integration and the attention network. Each patient's symptoms arise from dysfunction in several networks and their associated processes.
Physiotherapy plays a key role in the multidisciplinary management and treatment of FND. In this article, the authors thoroughly review the guidelines for physiotherapy in patients with the motor subtype of FND, as there are specific physiotherapy techniques that are particularly useful. The article was written based on recommendations from physiotherapists, neurologists and neuropsychiatrists who have extensive clinical experience with FND patients.
This article summarises and describes a physiotherapeutic approach to the treatment of functional neurological disorders. It includes a number of useful tips and strategies to help re-train movement.
Psychological approaches to the multidisciplinary treatment of FND have been shown to be effective, but since 2005 there has been no systematic review of studies examining the effectiveness of psychotherapeutic therapies for the treatment of FND. The present article describes the results of a systematic review of studies examining the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioural and psychodynamic therapies.
The article describes the guidelines for neuropsychiatric treatment in a clear way FND. It includes basic information about FND as well as an overview of the most commonly used psychological therapies.
This article provides recommendations and guidelines for the treatment of functional speech disorders, including functional swallowing disorders and cough. The recommendations are based on an international panel of speech and language experts who also have expertise in functional neurological disorders. The expert recommendations serve as a practical guideline and starting point for further research in this field, with the hope that new treatments based on scientific evidence will be developed.
This article recommends and guidelines for occupational therapists, which are an important part of the multidisciplinary management of patients with functional neurological disorders. It is recommended that treatment is based on a biopsychosocial model that includes education about the diagnosis, rehabilitation and assistance with self-management of symptoms.
This article describes Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) in detail and how symptomatic and overlaps aetiologically with a functional neurological disorder. The authors also address some treatment strategies.
The study looked at sleep quality in both patients with a functional neurological disorder and a non-clinical sample. They found that sleep disturbances are characteristic of this population (quality and sleep length).
