Understanding childhood functional neurological disorder: key factors for future care
Wang A, Yang X, Tian Y, Yang H, Luo R
Journal of Psychosomatic Research (2025)
- Pediatric
- Clinical Study, Research Translation
Key Takeaways
- Identifying psychological and family-related stressors can be crucial for managing FND in children.
- Symptoms like weakness or non-epileptic seizures are common among children with FND.
- Recognizing psychiatric disorders like anxiety and depression is vital for better FND prognosis.
- Early intervention and proper therapy could improve symptoms for many children with FND.
- Ongoing research is needed to explore more effective treatments for FND.
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Overview
This summary discusses a study focusing on the clinical features and prognosis of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) in children. Researchers analyzed 248 cases from a Chinese hospital to guide better diagnosis and management practices in pediatric FND.
Discussion
Conducted at West China Second University Hospital, the study involved 248 children diagnosed with FND between 2020 and 2023. From these, 173 children were followed one year after diagnosis.
- Participants: 248 children, aged 4-17 years, 60.5% male.
- Program Components:
- Symptoms like weakness, paralysis, and non-epileptic seizures were most common.
- Half of the children had experienced stressors such as personal health issues, family conflicts, or academic stress.
- Associated psychiatric disorders were present in about 11% of cases.
- Findings:Â
- 75% of children showed symptom remission within a year.
- Longer symptom duration and existing psychiatric disorders were linked to poorer outcomes.
Next Steps
If you have FND, here are some steps you can consider:
- Record any stressors or life events, as they might help your doctor better understand your condition.
- Discuss any feelings of anxiety or depression with your healthcare provider; this is essential for a comprehensive treatment approach.
- Keep track of your symptoms and reflect on any changes over time to aid in your care.
- Engage with community support or online forums for shared experiences and encouragement.
- Hold on to hope and stay informed about new treatments in development.
Reference
Wang A, Hang X, Tian Y, Yang H, Luo R. Analysis of clinical characteristics and prognosis of childhood functional neurological disorder: Identifying key factors of prognosis and optimizing clinical management. Journal of Psychosomatic Research. 2025;192:112120. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychores.2025.112120
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.