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'Prescribed' Treatments for FND

Currently, treatment options for Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) are limited. The most common approach is psychological therapy, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Other treatments focus on symptom management, such as physical therapy to address gait issues and weakness, speech therapy for speech and swallowing difficulties, and medications to alleviate specific symptoms. Below is a review of the most common "prescribed" treatments. For more information, be sure to visit our resources page, and explore our self-help section for methods you can try on your own.

FND treatment

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Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy (OT) is a vital part of treatment for many people with FND. It focuses on helping individuals regain independence and participate in meaningful activities despite the challenges posed by their condition.

 

Here's an overview of how occupational therapy can help:

  • Improve daily living skills: OTs help people with FND develop strategies to manage everyday tasks such as dressing, bathing, grooming, cooking, and eating.

  • Enhance participation in meaningful activities: This includes work, school, hobbies, and social activities. OTs help identify and overcome barriers to participation.

  • Increase independence: OTs work with individuals to reduce reliance on others and increase self-sufficiency in daily life.

  • Address cognitive challenges: OTs can provide strategies and tools to manage cognitive difficulties like memory problems, poor concentration, and difficulty with planning and organization.

  • Manage fatigue and energy conservation: OTs teach techniques to conserve energy, prioritize activities, and manage fatigue effectively.

  • Adapt the environment: OTs can recommend modifications to the home or workplace to make it easier and safer to navigate.

  • Improve coping skills: OTs help individuals develop coping strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges related to FND.

Occupational therapy

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in helping people with FND regain movement, improve function, and manage their symptoms. It focuses on retraining the brain and body to work together more effectively.

 

Here's an overview of what physical therapy for FND involves:

  • Improve movement and coordination: Therapists use a variety of techniques to help patients regain control over their movements, improve balance, and increase strength and flexibility.

  • Reduce functional limitations: The focus is on helping patients perform daily activities, such as walking, dressing, and eating, with greater ease and independence.

  • Address sensory disturbances: Therapists may incorporate sensory retraining exercises to help patients re-learn how to process sensory information correctly.

  • Manage pain: Techniques like manual therapy, exercise, and education can help reduce pain and improve pain coping strategies.

  • Enhance self-efficacy: A key goal is to build confidence and empower patients to take an active role in their recovery.

physical therapy

For some FND specific physiotherapy ideas, click here.

Psychological Therapies

Psychological therapies, particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), are increasingly recognized as crucial in managing Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). They help address the complex interplay of physical symptoms, thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that contribute to FND.

How Psychological Therapies Help with FND

 

  • Reduce symptom severity: By addressing psychological factors, therapy can help decrease the frequency and intensity of FND symptoms.

  • Improve coping skills: Individuals learn effective strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and emotional distress, which can trigger or worsen FND symptoms.

  • Increase self-awareness: Therapy helps individuals understand the connections between their thoughts, emotions, and physical symptoms, leading to greater self-awareness and control.

  • Enhance quality of life: By reducing symptom burden and improving coping skills, therapy can help individuals with FND live more fulfilling lives.

CBT

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for FND:

 

  • Focus: CBT helps individuals identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors that may be maintaining or worsening their FND symptoms. It emphasizes the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

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  • Techniques:

    • Psychoeducation: Learning about FND, how the brain works, and the mind-body connection.

    • Identifying and challenging negative thoughts: Recognizing and reframing thoughts that contribute to anxiety, fear, or avoidance.

    • Activity pacing and graded exposure: Gradually increasing activity levels to improve function and reduce fatigue.

mindfulness

Other Psychological Therapies for FND:

 

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  • Psychodynamic Psychotherapy: This therapy explores past experiences and emotional conflicts that may be contributing to FND symptoms. It focuses on understanding unconscious processes and how they influence current behavior.

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT helps individuals accept their FND symptoms and focus on living a meaningful life despite their challenges. It emphasizes mindfulness, values clarification, and committed action.

  • Mindfulness-Based Therapies: These therapies cultivate present-moment awareness and acceptance, helping individuals manage stress, reduce anxiety, and cope with difficult emotions and sensations.

Speech & Swallowing Therapy

Speech and swallowing therapy, often provided by a speech-language pathologist (SLP), is a key component of managing FND when it affects communication and eating.

 

Here's an overview of what this therapy entails:

speech therapy
  • Improve speech clarity and fluency: SLPs help individuals with FND regain clear and fluent speech by addressing issues like dysarthria (slurred speech), dysphonia (voice problems), and stuttering.

  • Enhance voice quality: Techniques are used to improve voice strength, pitch, and quality for those experiencing hoarseness, breathiness, or vocal fatigue.

  • Increase swallowing safety and efficiency: SLPs work to improve swallowing coordination and safety, reducing the risk of choking or aspiration (food or liquid entering the airway).

  • Reduce communication barriers: Strategies are provided to improve communication effectiveness, even when speech is impaired. This might involve using alternative communication methods or assistive devices.

  • Improve confidence and participation: Therapy aims to boost self-confidence and encourage participation in social interactions and daily activities.

  • Educate and empower: SLPs provide information about FND and its impact on speech and swallowing, empowering individuals to take an active role in their recovery.

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