The journey to diagnosis and care of functional neurological disorder (FND).
Clinical Snapshot
PICO Framework
| P — Population | Adults diagnosed with functional neurological disorder (FND) participating in the MODIFI feasibility study |
| I — Intervention | Semi-structured interviews exploring patient experiences |
| C — Comparator | Not applicable - qualitative study design |
| O — Outcomes | Patient experiences of diagnosis, treatment access, and living with FND |
Bottom Line
This qualitative study explores patient experiences of FND diagnosis and care through interviews with 18 participants. While providing valuable insights into the patient journey, the study has significant limitations when evaluated against RCT criteria, as it is fundamentally a qualitative exploration rather than an intervention trial. The findings highlight six key themes including diagnostic challenges, treatment access barriers, and daily life impacts. For Australian clinicians, this reinforces the importance of compassionate communication during FND diagnosis and the need for accessible multidisciplinary care pathways. However, the small sample size and lack of demographic detail limit generalisability. The study contributes to understanding patient perspectives but cannot inform treatment effectiveness.
Key Findings
P Value: Not applicable - qualitative study
Effect Size: Not applicable - qualitative study
Primary Outcome: Six themes identified: diagnosis seeking, receiving FND diagnosis, treatment access, daily burden, asserting agency, and future hopes
Nnt Or Sensitivity: Not applicable - qualitative study
Confidence Interval: Not applicable - qualitative study
Clinical Application
Findings suggest need for improved diagnostic communication and treatment access Relevant to Australian FND services; highlights need for specialised neuropsychiatry services and potential PBS consideration for psychological therapies Adults with FND across various healthcare settings
Abstract
PURPOSE: Functional neurological disorder (FND) is a common condition, associated with high disability and healthcare costs, and poor treatment access. This qualitative study aimed to explore participants' experiences of being diagnosed with functional neurological disorder (FND), accessing treatment, and navigating life after diagnosis. Participants were drawn from a randomised feasibility study of eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing therapy for people with FND (MODIFI, Trial Registration: NCT05455450 (www.clinicaltrials.gov)). METHODS: Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data from eighteen semi-structured interviews with participants diagnosed with FND. RESULTS: Six main themes were identified: (1) the process of seeking a diagnosis and initial relief from the physical struggles, (2) receiving a diagnosis of FND, (3) treatment for FND, (4) the burden of FND in day-to-day life, (5) the need to assert agency and return to normal, and (6) hopes for the future. CONCLUSION: The findings emphasize the need for personalised and compassionate care for individuals suffering from FND, underpinned by increased service provision within the healthcare system.
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