Functional neurological disorder in Saudi Arabia: A retrospective study

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) presents a significant diagnostic and management challenge.
• Understanding the specific clinical profile of FND patients in diverse cultural contexts is crucial for tailored healthcare.
• Previous research on FND in the Middle East is limited, necessitating localized data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To delineate the clinical characteristics of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) in a Saudi Arabian patient cohort.
• To identify prevalent risk factors, symptoms, and cultural attributions associated with FND in the region.
• To assess treatment outcomes and prognostic indicators within this specific patient group.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective chart review was conducted.
• Data were collected from 52 patients diagnosed with FND at a neuropsychiatry clinic in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between 2021 and 2023.
• Patient demographics, risk factors, symptoms, attributions, and follow-up outcomes were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) constituted 11% of new cases in the clinic.
• The most frequent risk factors were family disputes (39%) and sexual abuse (15%).
• Common symptoms included nonepileptic seizures (61.5%) and abnormal movements (30.8%), with 67.3% attributing symptoms to supernatural causes. Cognitive symptoms were associated with poorer outcomes (p=0.018).

Conclusions:

• Family disputes and supernatural beliefs significantly influence FND perception and presentation in Saudi Arabia.
• A notable proportion of patients experienced subjective symptom improvement, suggesting potential for effective management.
• Cognitive symptoms may serve as a prognostic indicator for FND, warranting further investigation in prospective studies.