Views on Using Psychoactive Substances to Self-Manage Functional Neurological Disorder: Online Patient Survey Results

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Psychiatry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Functional neurological disorder (FND) presents a significant global health challenge, marked by substantial disability and distress.
• Current evidence-based treatments for FND have limited accessibility, creating a need for alternative management strategies.
• The prevalence and effectiveness of self-management techniques, including psychoactive substance use, remain largely unexplored in the FND population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the self-management strategies employed by individuals with FND.
• To assess patient perspectives on novel therapeutic interventions, specifically psychedelic therapy, for FND.
• To understand the utilization and perceived efficacy of legal and illicit psychoactive substances in managing FND symptoms.

Main Methods:

• An international online survey was distributed globally via social media and patient support groups.
• The survey collected data on self-management techniques and attitudes towards novel treatments, including psychedelic therapy.
• A total of 1,048 respondents from 16 countries participated over a one-month period.

Main Results:

• Nearly half of respondents (46%) reported using legal psychoactive substances (nicotine, alcohol, cannabidiol) for FND symptom management, with modest reported effectiveness.
• Fifteen percent of participants used illicit substances, primarily cannabis, for FND symptom relief, reporting moderate effectiveness and minimal adverse effects.
• A significant portion of respondents (46%) expressed willingness to try medically supervised psychedelic therapy, with 19% ambivalent.

Conclusions:

• Individuals with FND frequently pursue alternative symptom management strategies beyond conventional medical care.
• Psychoactive substances, both legal and illicit, are utilized by a notable percentage of the FND population for self-management.
• The findings support further research into novel treatments like psychedelics for functional neurological disorder, given patient interest and potential efficacy.