Multidisciplinary treatment for functional neurological symptoms: a prospective study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Psychiatry
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Functional neurological symptoms (FNS) are disabling, yet treatment outcome data are limited.
• Understanding long-term efficacy and predictors of good outcomes in FNS is crucial for patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prospectively assess the short- and long-term efficacy of an inpatient multidisciplinary program for FNS.
• To identify predictors of good treatment outcomes in patients with FNS.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 66 consecutive FNS patients undergoing an inpatient multidisciplinary program.
• Utilized clinician-rated and patient-reported outcome measures at admission, discharge, and 1-year follow-up.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements were observed in clinician-rated mental health and functional ability.
• Patients reported reduced anxiety, improved mood, and fewer somatic/neurological symptoms, with sustained benefits at 1 year.
• Improvement in the Health of the Nation Outcome Scale (HoNOS) score was the sole predictor of patient-rated improvement.

Conclusions:

• A specialized multidisciplinary inpatient program offers significant and lasting benefits for the majority of patients with FNS.
• Early improvement in HoNOS scores is a key indicator of successful treatment and predicts sustained patient-rated improvement.