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Functional movement disorder is associated with abnormal interoceptive brain activity

A task-based functional MRI study

Spagnolo PA, Parker JA, Hallett M, and Horovitz SG

Frontiers in Psychiatry (2025)

  • Clinical Study, Research Translation

Key Takeaways

  • This study shows that abnormal brain activity, particularly involving interoception, is linked with Functional Movement Disorder (FMD).
  • People with FMD may experience different body awareness and attention to bodily sensations compared to those without the disorder.
  • The findings suggest a need for addressing body awareness in managing FMD symptoms.
  • Regions such as the insula and cingulate cortex play crucial roles in the atypical processing observed in FMD.
  • More research is needed to explore how focusing on body awareness can aid FMD care.

Overview

This summary examines how people with Functional Movement Disorder (FMD) process internal body signals differently from those without the disorder. Using MRI scans, the study focused on how the brain pays attention to bodily sensations, contributing to our understanding of FMD’s neurological roots.

Discussion

Study Details:

    • 26 participants in total: 13 with FMD and 13 healthy controls.
    • Conducted via MRI scans to observe brain activity related to interoception (awareness of internal body states).

Key Findings:

    • FMD participants showed more brain activity in areas like the insula, which are linked to internal body awareness and emotional processing.
    • Differences between groups were clear during tasks focusing on disease-related body sensations.
    • These insights suggest that focusing on interoceptive awareness could help manage FMD.

Study Limitations:

    • A relatively small number of participants, emphasizing the need for larger future studies.
    • Linking findings directly to unique clinical outcomes requires more research.

Next Steps

If you have FND, consider:

  • Exploring therapies focusing on increasing body awareness and attention power.
  • Initiating conversations with your healthcare provider about how interoception might relate to your symptoms.
  • Keeping track of changes in your physical sensations to share with your treatment team.
  • Connecting with support groups for shared experiences and self-advocacy.
  • Staying hopeful as ongoing research continues to explore effective strategies for FND.

Reference

Spagnolo PA, Parker JA, Hallett M, and Horovitz SG. Functional movement disorder is associated with abnormal interoceptive brain activity: a task-based functional MRI study. Frontiers in Psychiatry. 2025;16:1473913. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1473913  

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1473913/full

This summary is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, financial, or legal advice. It is not intended to replace professional consultation or treatment. Always consult qualified healthcare providers regarding your specific circumstances, symptoms, or questions.

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