Abstract
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.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.
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.
| Date of Award | 2024 |
|---|---|
| Original language | English |
| Awarding Institution |
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| Supervisor | Nicholas Troop (Other Supervisor) & Sarah Baldrey (Director of Studies (First Supervisor)) |
Keywords
- Functional neurological disorder
- Psychological therapy
- Meta-analysis
- Systematic Review
- Psychological wellbeing
- Quality of life