Functional Neurological Disorder : Symptoms and mental health 12-month post multidisciplinary rehabilitation

This retrospective, longitudinal, exploratory study assessed the effectiveness of multidisciplinary rehabilitation for individuals with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) and examined whether trauma exposure influenced treatment outcomes. A total of 33 FND patients admitted to a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program were consecutively enrolled in the study, with assessments taking place at admission, discharge, 6- and 12-months post-treatment. All participants received cognitive behavioral therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and medical care. Primary outcomes included changes in FND symptoms, and secondary outcomes included self-reported anxiety and depression symptoms. Participants were categorized into high and low trauma groups based on their reported history of adverse life events. The results indicated that 94% of the participants showed improvements in FND symptoms at discharge, and 84% maintained or continued to show symptom improvement at the 12-month follow-up. Symptoms of anxiety and depression did not change significantly over time. Many participants in this study reported experiencing adverse life events, particularly instances of bullying and various forms of sexual violence. However, there were no significant differences in FND symptoms or mental health scores between the high and low trauma groups. Small sample size, participant drop-out, and high variability in mental health scores presented as limitations in this study. Nonetheless, the findings suggest the effectiveness of multidisciplinary rehabilitation in reducing FND symptoms and that these benefits are well maintained over 12 months. Future studies should use larger samples, more refined assessment tools, and standardized treatment protocols to elucidate which components of the rehabilitation are the most effective and the possible effect of trauma on treatment outcomes.

Author dc:creator

• Ísold Eygló Snæbjörnsdóttir 1999-

Contributors dc:contributor

• Háskólinn í Reykjavík

• Sálfræði
• Endurhæfing
• Meistaraprófsritgerðir
• Psychology
• Functional neurological disorder
• FND
• Rehabilitation

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/1946/50730

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:skemman.is:1946/50730