Functional Neurological Disorder

FND Therapy

Published Article on FND

FND – Functional neurological disorder is seen regularly in Neurology Departments. It is thought to be a malfunction of the nervous system. This can be caused by high levels of stress chemicals in the body. There is evidence that people who are ASD/ADHD and who may also have hypermobility are more prone to developing FND. Clinical tests like MRI scans etc will be normal.    Every case of FND is different but symptoms can include:

Similar Conditions:

  • Conversion illness
  • Somatisation
  • CVS

Can trauma cause FND? 

The Psychologist, Freud was one of the first psychologists to note that trauma could cause physical symptoms. FND can be the result of some sort of trauma. The trauma then causes the nervous system to somehow function incorrectly. It is important to note that trauma comes in many ways and this can be from bullying as a child, childhood adversity, having or having had an abusive relationship etc.

Post-traumatic stress disorder is explained as being caused by an incident of danger where we felt we cannot escape. The fight or flight energy gets trapped in the body.

EMDR and Hypnotherapy for FND

Treatment, unfortunately, is limited in the NHS. Waiting lists are long and there are few specialist facilities. Fortunately, treatments that have been proven to help FND are hypnotherapy and EMDR.  Hypnotherapy helps by releasing the trauma from the mind and body. EMDR integrates memories of the trauma. Consequently, the mind and body can return to calm and safety.

What is it like living with FND?

The FND sufferer knows how real their symptoms are, but someone is telling them that there is nothing physically wrong. Consequently, sufferers can feel very isolated, and if no one believes them. If you have FND, you may not be offered much in the way of treatment.


If you are trying to manage the symptoms of FND then working with a hypnotherapist and EMDR specialist may be of benefit to you.