Cognitive rehabilitation for functional neurological disorder

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Cognitive problems are prevalent in functional neurological disorder (FND), affecting over 80% of patients.
• These cognitive deficits contribute to distress, disability, and treatment challenges.
• Cognitive issues in FND are often overlooked and undertreated, representing a significant gap in care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the utility of cognitive rehabilitation for functional neurological disorder (FND).
• To provide clinically actionable advice for applying cognitive rehabilitation in FND.
• To address the gap in targeted cognitive interventions for FND.

Main Methods:

• Review of fundamental principles of cognitive rehabilitation.
• Examination of evidence for cognitive rehabilitation efficacy across neuropsychiatric disorders.
• Discussion of potential pitfalls and application strategies for FND.

Main Results:

• Cognitive rehabilitation demonstrates positive impacts on cognition and daily functioning in various neuropsychiatric conditions.
• The transdiagnostic utility of cognitive rehabilitation suggests its potential benefit for FND when adapted.
• A case vignette illustrates the practical application of cognitive rehabilitation principles in FND.

Conclusions:

• Cognitive rehabilitation is a viable and potentially beneficial intervention for cognitive difficulties in FND.
• Adaptation of cognitive rehabilitation strategies is key for effective application in FND.
• Further research and clinical attention are needed to optimize cognitive rehabilitation for FND patients.