The Effectiveness of Brief Multidisciplinary Outpatient Treatment for Functional Neurological Disorder: A Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Psychiatry
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a prevalent, costly, and disabling condition with limited evidence-based treatment guidelines.
• Effective interventions are urgently needed to improve patient prognosis and outcomes in FND.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the functional and psychological outcomes of a novel outpatient multidisciplinary treatment program for adults with FND.
• To assess the short-term and 6-month sustained effects of the FND treatment program.

Main Methods:

• Eighteen adults with FND participated in a 5-day intensive outpatient multidisciplinary treatment program.
• Intervention included assessment, psychoeducation, and tailored therapeutic interventions.
• Outcomes were measured using the Timed Up-and-Go (TUG), EQ-5D-5L, VAS, Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), and BHI-2 Depression and Anxiety subscales.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements were observed immediately post-treatment in COPM performance and satisfaction, EQ-5D-5L index, VAS, and TUG (p < 0.05).
• At 6-month follow-up, improvements in BHI-2 Depression and Anxiety scores were noted.
• Key outcomes including COPM, EQ-5D-5L, VAS, and TUG were maintained at the 6-month follow-up.

Conclusions:

• This preliminary study suggests that a multidisciplinary approach to FND treatment positively impacts both psychological and physical functioning.
• The observed benefits of the FND treatment program demonstrated sustainability up to six months post-intervention.