How Is Functional Neurological Disorder Treated? What Actually Helps
After receiving a diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), one question almost always follows:
“So… what now?”
For many people, the diagnosis brings a mixture of relief and uncertainty. Relief that there is finally a name for what is happening — and uncertainty about whether anything can actually help.
The short answer is this:
Yes, FND is treatable — and improvement is possible.
But treatment looks different from the traditional medical model, and understanding this is key to recovery.
Treatment Starts With Understanding
One of the most important — and often overlooked — aspects of FND treatment is clear explanation.
Research consistently shows that when people understand:
that their symptoms are real
that they are involuntary
that they relate to brain function, not damage
symptoms often begin to soften.
Explanation is not reassurance alone — it is a therapeutic intervention. It reduces fear, lowers nervous system threat, and creates the conditions for change.
A Multidisciplinary Approach Works Best
There is no single “magic treatment” for Functional Neurological Disorder. Instead, the most effective care is multidisciplinary, tailored to the person and their symptom pattern.
Treatment may involve a combination of:
Neurology
Making a positive diagnosis of FND
Ruling out other neurological conditions
Providing validation and clarity
A clear diagnosis helps reduce uncertainty and repeated investigations, which can perpetuate symptoms.
Psychological Therapy
Psychological treatment for FND is not about convincing someone their symptoms are psychological.
Instead, therapy focuses on:
nervous system regulation
reducing threat-based attention and prediction
working with fear, avoidance, and symptom patterns
rebuilding confidence in automatic control
Approaches such as ACT, CBT-informed strategies, and trauma-informed therapy (where relevant) can all be helpful, depending on the individual.
Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
For people with movement symptoms, specialist physiotherapy or occupational therapy is often central to recovery.
This work focuses on:
retraining automatic movement
reducing over-monitoring of symptoms
restoring function gradually and safely
The emphasis is on relearning, not strengthening damaged tissue.
Why Reassurance Alone Isn’t Enough
People with FND are often told:
“Nothing is wrong — you’ll be fine.”
While well intentioned, this can feel dismissive and confusing.
Recovery from FND does not come from reassurance alone. It comes from:
understanding what is happening
working with the nervous system
retraining brain networks
gradually re-engaging with life
Recovery Is a Process, Not a Switch
Improvement in FND is often gradual and non-linear.
People may notice:
fluctuations in symptoms
periods of improvement followed by setbacks
gains in function before symptoms fully resolve
This does not mean treatment is failing. It reflects how the nervous system learns — through repetition, safety, and time.
What Predicts Better Outcomes?
While every person’s journey is different, better outcomes are often associated with:
early and clear diagnosis
feeling believed and validated
reduced fear and uncertainty
appropriate multidisciplinary care
active engagement in rehabilitation
Hope is realistic — but it needs to be grounded and compassionate.
A Final Word: This Is Not Your Fault
If you are living with Functional Neurological Disorder, it is important to hear this clearly:
You did not cause this.
You are not weak.
And you are not failing because recovery takes time.
Your nervous system adapted in a way that made sense at the time. With the right support, it can learn safer, more flexible patterns again.
I offer assessment and treatment for Functional Neurological Disorder as part of a multidisciplinary, evidence-based approach. If you would like to explore whether this may be helpful for you, you are welcome to get in touch.
By Dr Michelle Beukes-King
