Rejection of the categorisation of FND as a psychiatric disorder

[Shimmyaway]

This recent article, argues that FND is a neurological disorder, not psychiatric.

mdpi.com/2075-4426/14/9/948

[Lady4]

Yet its listed in the DSM-5 😕

I totally agree (although haven't read yet) its a pyscho-social neurological condition often functional in nature (sorry brain freeze for actual name). It embrances social aspects, psychological factors and neurological. So the team should be Psychology PT and OT at a minimum collabrating.

Some trauma victims may require a psychiatrist team member may be helpful with quicker recovery.

I an article that I read the other day (although referring to young adults) it highlighted the importance of social connections.

The papers conclusion said:

"Stress management and practice on relaxation techniques may need to be applied first in cases with comorbid depressive and anxious symptomatology, before dealing with depression symptoms, low self-esteem, and/or negative self- and others- evaluations. Even though social support may be beneficial even when under high levels of stress, double levels of perceived support are needed to achieve its protective effects, compared to when having moderate levels of stress. Therefore, working with stress management before depressive symptoms may provide skills (e.g., realistic estimation of risk, de-catastrophizing) that will enhance the empowering effects of social support on self-esteem and subsequently on lowering depressive symptoms. After effective stress management, youths can become more functional and motivated to work with their depressive symptoms." The stress. Anxiety, Depressions comes from flying solo with FND most the time.

Will correct terminology ... half asleep ...

[GrEeNbEeNs]

Loved reading your post I have never believed that FND is caused by trauma depression and anxiety,I do believe that these symptoms can make FND worse.I'm not sure if it was in your post but I read that a person with FND brain does show that it's different from someone without FND,it's something to do with the Gray matter and another part of the brain which I can't remember.I'm very interested in this biological markers being a possible cause of FND but where the hell would you start with this.I seen a neurologist a few weeks ago because I've got a feeling like my brain is rattling in my head,the neurologist examined my arms,and legs and all the other rubbish they do and then told me that the problem with my head was caused by FND I said to him how do you work that one out I told him that I wasn't happy and pushed for an MRI scan that's why i'm saying where the hell would we start to get help to see if it's biological if neurologist don't give a shit about trying to help you if you have a new symptom 9years after being diagnosed.He suggested physio even though he seen that I was falling about all over the room and couldn't stand in my own two feet.The way I see is if my brain is not telling my body how to function properly then how is physio going to help me to walk properly?

[Shimmyaway in reply to GrEeNbEeNs]

HI Greenbeens ..glad you like the article. Are you in the UK or elsewhere? Getting the appropriate tests ( FMRI) to find out if your brain is of the 'fnd variety' is nigh impossible, I suppose on the grounds that the knowledge does not give any clue as to appropriate treatment ..so not financially. or medically worthwhile for individuals, only research. The offer of physio is useful , as appropriate physio such as 'physio4fmd' helps the brain to revert to automatic mode i.e to signal normal limb behaviour. There is a workbook available if you google 'physio4 fmd', produced by the chief physio at St George's Hospital in London...it could make you a happier bean!

[GrEeNbEeNs in reply to Shimmyaway]

Thanks for taking the time to reply, laughing my head of at you saying I could be a happier bean.

[Lady4 in reply to Shimmyaway]

I requested a fMRI and sadly it is only used for research only.

[Lady4 in reply to GrEeNbEeNs]

Hi, when you described your brain rattling around in your head, it reminded me of when my son said he felt like his was jumping from side to side and hitting the walls. I can't recall if this was following a fall or just randomly appeared and I think it was some type of Chronic headache, I will look back on my diary notes and ask him when he awakes.

Would incorporating some compression, weighted aids help ground you when I guess you probably feel disorientated with the head pain.

Plus can you walk better backwards?

[GrEeNbEeNs in reply to Lady4]

I don't have any head pain when I feel like my brain is rattling but I do feel very disorientated.I'm laughing at you asking if I can walk backwards I can hardly stand on my own two feet I fall about all over the place.

[Lady4 in reply to GrEeNbEeNs]

There is method in my madness.

Its a proven technique that it people have problems walking forward, a bit uneasy they can normally walk backwards a few steps, this because it scrambles the brains message and before it figures it out we have taken back control (even if only momentarily).

Do you have spatial awareness?

Neuro PT might be better and OT.

[Shimmyaway in reply to GrEeNbEeNs]

I have experienced this feeling of movement within the skull, as if the brain is wobbling , a bit like jelly. I informed my previous GP, who immediately requested a dementia assessment for me.... barking up the wrong tree of course!

I am coming round to a 'weeble wobble ' theory of walking/ shaking with FND. Like a weeble wobble, we need our centre of gravity, which we can change by adding weight, to be low ..the more weight the better to keep us upright/ stable. I shake less when standing, more when sitting or lying, and may get spasms when I change from one position to another. I have no probs with walking, but I think ankle weights may help if you have difficulties. Advice from a neuro PT would help I am sure...in the meantime try some DIY Greenbean therapy.

[Poseypink]

Great article. Thanks for sharing!

[JHutton1994]

Try telling my neuro that. Never felt so patronised in my life.

[Shimmyaway in reply to JHutton1994]

Your neuro sounds as if he is still in the dark ages as regards FND. Hope you are getting somewhere with a second opinion on your symptoms. Although a body of neuros still believe FND to be a neuro condition, we have to accept that any therapy available is coming from mental health teams. FND is a challenging condition to offer treatment for, with no guarantee of it working ..maybe too much to accept for some neuros who are used to well trodden pathways. I sympathise with the tongue problem ..I get it sometimes too.