Impact of psychological therapy on psychological wellbeing and quality-of-life in Functional Neurological Disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a common and complex condition, with a heterogeneous presentation of motor, sensory and cognitive symptoms. FND often results in significant physical disability, poor psychological wellbeing, and poor quality-of-life. A growing evidence base has been developing on the effectiveness of psychological therapy (PT) for people with FND. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to understand the effectiveness of PT on psychological wellbeing and quality-of-life in people with FND, building on existing reviews to update and strengthen the knowledge base.<br/>A systematic search was performed on four electronic databases to identify research studies evaluating 1:1 outpatient PT for FND, published after 2013. Sixteen studies were included in the systematic review, with seven included in a meta-analysis. Random effects meta-analyses indicated significant improvements in depression, anxiety, quality-of-life, health and social functioning, psychological distress, and symptom severity. Some of the studies identified the effects were maintained at 12-months, with reductions in healthcare utilisation identified and maintained for at least 3 years post-treatment. <br/>The overall positive impact of PT is encouraging and tentatively supports the delivery of PT for FND, invites further development of the evidence-base, and suggests the commissioning of more psychological services is needed.<br/>

Author dc:creator

• Sen, Natalie

Contributors dc:contributor

• Nicholas Troop, Sarah Baldrey

• Functional neurological disorder
• Psychological therapy
• Meta-analysis
• Systematic Review
• Psychological wellbeing
• Quality of life

Language dc:language

eng

Repository record dc:identifier

https://pearl.plymouth.ac.uk/psy-theses/149

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:pearl.plymouth.ac.uk:psy-theses-1148