It’s completely normal to feel confused after being diagnosed with FND. It’s not a condition most people have heard of, and the symptoms can vary widely. You may have gone through months or years of uncertainty, misdiagnosis, or feeling dismissed – so finally getting a name for what you’re experiencing can be both a relief and overwhelming. You’re not expected to understand everything straight away. Our What is Functional Neurological Disorder page can help explain things more clearly.

No. FND is not imagined or made up – it’s a medically recognised neurological condition. It’s caused by a problem in how the brain and nervous system send and process signals, not by structural damage. Sometimes FND is referred to as neuropsychiatric because all brain function includes psychological processes, such as cognition, but that doesn’t mean the condition is “just psychological”. Unfortunately, outdated theories still persist, but modern understanding shows this is a disorder of brain function. A brain network disorder.

The “software, not hardware” analogy is often used to explain FND, identifying there’s no structural damage to the brain. Whilst this may seem helpful, it’s not entirely accurate or that black and white. Think of the brain like a complex electrical system: when everything’s connected properly, signals flow as they should. But if there’s a misfire or “short circuit,” the system can fail and result in unexpected outputs.

In FND, the brain can form new, faulty pathways. For example, in functional dystonia, the brain may “learn” that a hand should stay in a fixed position, even though this is not the correct response. Similarly, with functional seizures, the brain may trigger episodes even in the absence of obvious triggers. These seizures can happen unexpectedly, sometimes even whilst at rest, as the brain’s wiring misfires.

There’s no specific medication that directly treats FND, but medications may be prescribed to help manage comorbid medical conditions and associated symptoms such as pain. Since FND often occurs alongside other conditions, it’s essential that all your health conditions are considered when deciding on treatment. It’s also important to regularly review your medications with your GP or specialist to ensure they remain appropriate for your symptoms and to avoid potential interactions or side effects.

People with FND may have other health conditions alongside it. These are referred to as comorbidities. Having one diagnosis doesn’t cancel out the others. It’s important that your care takes all of your symptoms into account, and not everything is automatically assumed to be because of FND. Make sure to talk to your GP or specialist about the full picture so that nothing is overlooked.

Sadly, many people with FND are still being discharged from neurology without a clear care pathway – most often with only website links and no follow-up. This isn’t good enough. A diagnosis should come with an explanation of the condition, an understanding of individual needs (including comorbidities), and a plan for treatment or onward referral. Whilst services can be limited in some areas, neurologists still have a duty to explain the condition and help coordinate ongoing care. In the meantime, trusted websites like FND Action and neurosymptoms.org can be helpful starting points – but they should never replace a proper treatment plan.

It can be frustrating when you’re not given a clear care plan after an FND diagnosis. Access to multidisciplinary care for FND is still limited in many areas, resulting in a postcode lottery. However, you are entitled to access treatment through neuro rehabilitation teams that include physiotherapists, psychologists, occupational therapists, etc, who should have some knowledge of FND. If these services aren’t available locally, your GP or neurologist should refer you to centres where these treatments are offered – even if that means travelling to another region. The NHS Constitution ensures you have the right to be referred for specialist care when necessary.

You can also find more information about treatment options on our Treatment page. Whilst availability may vary, you have the right to access the support you need.

Doubting your diagnosis is completely understandable, especially if your symptoms overlap with other conditions, or don’t fit what you expected. FND has been misunderstood in the past – with outdated theories still appearing online or even from some healthcare professionals. This can lead to confusion and make it harder to trust the diagnosis. If you’re unsure, it’s okay to ask your neurologist questions or seek a second opinion (Click for further information). What matters most is that you feel heard and supported.

FND is still not widely recognised by many healthcare professionals, including GPs. That’s why FND Action’s #InformTheDoctor campaign is so important. An information sheet can be shared with your GP to help them learn more about the condition and improve your care. Learn more here.

Unfortunately, not all information about FND online is accurate or up-to-date. It’s important to use reliable and trusted sources when researching your condition. Stick to websites like FND Action, neurosymptoms.org, and other reputable organisations to get the best advice.

Whilst you’re waiting, it can help to focus on things you can prepare or put in place. This might include making notes about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life, collecting any past medical information, and thinking about questions you want to ask. Reaching out to others through support groups – like FND Action’s Facebook group – can also provide reassurance, shared experiences, and helpful tips. Using trusted websites to learn more about FND can help you feel more informed and empowered when the time comes for your next appointment.

Recovery from FND is possible, but it looks different for everyone. For some, especially those with motor or movement symptoms, meaningful improvement can happen through physical rehabilitation and retraining the brain. For others, progress might be slower or more focused on managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

FND recovery is best seen as a spectrum. It’s shaped by many factors, including comorbidities, life circumstances, and access to the right support. Improvement is possible, and many people do find ways to live well with FND, but it’s not always a quick or complete return to “before”.