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As 2023 comes to a close, we look back at the triumphs and challenges in the existing knowledge of functional neurological disorder (FND).
Unfortunately, we continue to grapple with delayed diagnoses resulting from miscommunication and the stigma associated with FND. In our recent post, 'Navigating the Mountain: A Journey through FND', we briefly discussed the importance of bridging the communication gap between patients and healthcare professionals. This is a theme that's further explored in Stone et al. (2016), a research paper titled, 'Explanation as treatment for functional neurologic disorders'.
Their paper highlights the pivotal role of clear communication in treating functional disorders in a section titled 'Evidence for the importance of good communication/explanation'. Additionally, patient understanding, confidence, and access to information are identified as crucial elements for a successful diagnostic outcomes. The authors also indicated the barriers arising from the communication channel between healthcare professionals and their patients. There are a number of aspects listed that can be seen as shortcomings in both groups. However, communication and education account for the majority of it.
Finding solutions to bridge communication barriers is one part of the problem. The buy-in and attitudes from healthcare professionals as well as the financial implications of education and awareness campaigns is another aspect. We can address these issues if a growing number of healthcare professionals, patient advocacy groups and research organisations come together to educate the public, patients and healthcare professionals about FND.
In our post 'Navigating the Mountain: A Journey through FND', we identified the urgent need for patient-centered communication, incorporating visual aids to complement verbal explanations to aid comprehension. The use of modern technology has the capacity to deepen the understanding of FND. Similar observations are made in a South African research paper by Pretorius (2016) with the title: 'Barriers and facilitators to reaching a diagnosis of PNES from the patients’ perspective: Preliminary findings'. The author concluded that a continuous education programme for healthcare providers could positively contribute to the diagnostic process of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) patients. PNES is one facet of FND.
These points collectively form a cohesive narrative around the importance of communication to the broader discourse on FND diagnosis and treatment. As we step into 2024, armed with these insights, let's strive to transform the dialogue surrounding functional neurological disorder for a more compassionate and effective healthcare experience!
References:
Pretorius, C. 2016. Barriers and facilitators to reaching a diagnosis of PNES from the patients' perspective: Preliminary findings. Seizure 38: pp.1 - 6. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.seizure.2016.03.007
Stone, J. et al., 2016. Explanation as treatment for functional neurologic disorders. Handbook of Clinical Neurology 139: pp. 543-553 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-801772-2.00044-8
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