Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) can feel overwhelming and misunderstood, not just by those living with it but also by their friends, families, and even professionals. If you have been diagnosed with FND or suspect it might be part of what you’re experiencing, you may be searching for answers, support, and strategies to cope or improve. One complementary approach that’s gaining attention is hypnotherapy.
As a hypnotherapist and counsellor, I am seeing an increasing number of people seeking help from my service, as people often find that few treatments help.
In this blog, we will explore what FND is, its symptoms and causes, and how hypnotherapy can support you on your journey to healing.
Hypnotherapy isn’t claiming that it can cure, but it can help.
What is Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)?
So let’s start by exploring this condition. Sometimes it is difficult to define, as people present with different symptoms. However, often after lots of tests, no disease is found. Instead, it’s about the brain and body not functioning correctly.
FND is a condition where the brain struggles to send and receive signals correctly, leading to neurological symptoms that aren’t caused by structural damage to the brain. In other words, the brain looks normal on scans, but it doesn’t function as expected.
Common FND symptoms include:
- Seizures (non-epileptic)
- Functional weakness or paralysis (People might complain of a weak leg or arm)
- Movement disorders (such as tremors or walking difficulties)
- Sensory changes (numbness, tingling, pain)
- Speech and cognitive challenges (Some people might complain of difficulty concentrating, or brain fog)
These symptoms are real, not imagined. They can be deeply distressing, limiting a person’s ability to live fully, work, or enjoy relationships.
What Causes FND?
There isn’t a straightforward cause, and that can be frustrating. FND is believed to result from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors.
Sometimes, it develops after a physical illness or injury.
Other times, stress, trauma, or emotional conflict play a part. The nervous system becomes stuck in a kind of “misfiring” loop.
Sometimes it is hard to find an exact cause.
You’re not making it up, and it’s not “just in your head.” Neuroimaging studies are beginning to show altered brain connectivity in people with FND. You can read more about these findings in this ScienceDirect review of brain-based models of FND.
How is FND Diagnosed?
FND is a clinical diagnosis, usually made by a neurologist, but there are sometimes other doctors involved, such as a GP or psychiatrist.
Rather than being a diagnosis of exclusion, it’s based on positive signs such as:
- Hoover’s sign (this is a test for leg weakness)
- Entrained tremor (The body can shake, a bit like Parkinson’s disease, but any disease doesn’t cause it)
- Symptoms that vary depending on attention or context (People find it difficult to focus on things)
Receiving the correct diagnosis can take time, but it’s crucial for accessing the appropriate support.
Unfortunately, the difficulty getting a diagnosis can cause other problems like poor sleep, anxiety, worries about falling, stress related to work and finances.
Is FND Genetic?
At this point, there’s no strong evidence to suggest FND is directly inherited. That said, genetics may contribute to overall vulnerability, just as with anxiety, depression, or chronic pain. It’s more likely that FND reflects a learned response of the brain to stress or disruption, rather than a hereditary disorder.
Is FND the Same as Conversion Disorder?
FND used to be called conversion disorder, especially in older psychiatric classifications. However, many professionals now avoid that term due to its historical links with Freud and outdated ideas about repression.
Today, FND is seen through a more modern, compassionate lens, acknowledging both psychological and neurological aspects. The diagnosis does not require a history of trauma or emotional conflict to be valid.
Are FND Symptoms Real?
Yes. 100% real. This is one of the most important messages for anyone affected. Symptoms are not “put on” or fabricated. They reflect genuine dysfunction in how the brain controls the body. They can be disabling, painful, and frightening.
This recognition is supported by recent studies, including a PubMed article that highlights the neurological basis of FND.
Can FND Coexist with Other Conditions?
Absolutely. In my practice, I have noticed that many people feel anxious or depressed. This is not surprising as FND can change someone’s life.
Many people with FND also experience:
- Anxiety or depression
- Fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue
- Migraine
- PTSD
- IBS or bladder problems
These overlapping conditions illustrate the intricate connection between the nervous system and the mind. This is why a holistic approach is so important.
Another fact that is sometimes overlooked is the impact on the person’s spouse, relatives, friends, or caregiver.
Can FND Symptoms Improve?
Yes, many people improve with the proper support. Recovery is not always linear, but hope is still possible.
Education about the condition, validation, and gentle retraining of the brain can all play a role in helping.
What Treatments or Management Strategies Work?
There is no one-size-fits-all cure, but multi-disciplinary support often works best. Treatments might include:
- Neurological physiotherapy to retrain movement
- Psychological support (e.g., CBT or trauma-informed counselling)
- Occupational therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Medication (when needed for associated conditions)
And increasingly, hypnotherapy is being explored as a gentle yet powerful tool for managing FND.
How Can Hypnotherapy Help FND?
Hypnotherapy works by helping you access a deeply relaxed, focused state where your brain becomes more responsive to positive suggestions and behavioural change.
It can support people with FND by:
- Calming the nervous system
- Reducing anxiety and stress (which often trigger or worsen symptoms)
- Increasing control over movement and pain
- Changing unhelpful thought patterns
- Promoting sleep and emotional resilience
In my practice at Awaken the Change, I’ve seen how clients with FND begin to feel more empowered when they learn to access their inner resources. With the proper guidance, hypnotherapy can be a turning point in the FND journey, not a miracle cure, but a stepping stone to feeling more in control.
I also combine CBT counselling, as that can also help.
If you’d like to explore how hypnotherapy could help you or a loved one, you can book a free initial consultation via www.awakenthechange.com.
Final Thoughts
FND is a complex condition, but with understanding, compassion, and the right strategies, improvement is possible.
Whether hypnotherapy becomes part of your support toolkit or raises awareness of the power of the mind-body connection, it’s worth exploring with a qualified practitioner.
You’re not alone, and change is possible.
