Emerging research has unveiled remarkable connections between Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), highlighting shared psychological and neurobiological mechanisms that transcend their distinct clinical presentations. Both disorders manifest with varying symptoms yet share commonalities in the way they affect individuals’ lives, particularly in relation to emotion processing, self-regulation, and the body’s physiological responses to stress. This intersection presents an intriguing research opportunity, prompting experts to explore how insights from PTSD can effectively streamline treatment protocols for those suffering from FND.
Understanding the intricate relationship between FND and PTSD requires a thorough examination of the disruptions prevalent in emotion processing and regulation. Individuals with both disorders often struggle with managing their emotional responses, which can lead to overwhelming feelings of anxiety, fear, or distress. This emotional dysregulation not only exacerbates symptoms but also complicates recovery, as individuals frequently find themselves unable to process experiences in a healthy manner. The implications of these emotional responses can thus set the stage for developing more integrated therapeutic approaches that address these foundational issues.
Interoceptive processing — the ability to perceive internal body signals — is another commonality observed between FND and PTSD. Research indicates that individuals with these conditions may possess an impaired ability to recognize and interpret physiological signals, potentially leading to a disconnect between their emotional experiences and bodily sensations. This fundamental disconnection might manifest as physical symptoms in FND, while in PTSD, it could reinforce the cycle of hyperarousal and numbing, further detaching individuals from their responses to stress and trauma. By addressing these interoceptive disruptions in therapy, clinicians could tailor interventions that bridge the divide between emotional awareness and physical sensations.
Dissociation, characterized by disruptions in the integration of consciousness, memory, and identity, is another critical feature shared by FND and PTSD. Many individuals may experience dissociative symptoms as a coping mechanism in response to overwhelming trauma or stress. When dissociation occurs, it can significantly impair one’s ability to engage with their environment and leads to further psychological distress. Understanding how dissociative mechanisms operate in both disorders could provide invaluable insights into more effective treatment modalities, emphasizing the need for therapeutic strategies that help patients ground themselves in their experiences.
Physiological stress responses also present a compelling area of research. Both FND and PTSD are associated with heightened stress reactivity, often manifesting in bodily symptoms such as tremors, paralysis, or unexplained sensations in FND, and intrusive memories and hyperarousal in PTSD. These overlapping physiological responses highlight a broader neurobiological underpinning that could be instrumental in designing targeted interventions. A unified approach to treatment could consider these physiological dimensions as key components of a holistic strategy, addressing both the symptoms and root causes inherent in these disorders.
The concept of fear-extinction learning offers yet another avenue for exploration in understanding these disorders. Both FND and PTSD can involve maladaptive fear responses, suggesting that individuals may struggle to form new associations in the presence of stressors. This could hinder their abilities to process past traumas or stressful experiences healthily. Bridging the gap between research on fear-extinction learning in PTSD and therapeutic practices for FND could facilitate the development of clinical strategies that rewire these associations, reinforcing adaptive coping mechanisms and emotional resilience.
As the research landscape evolves, the intersection of FND and PTSD invites a transdiagnostic mechanism-focused approach to treatment. By recognizing the psychological and biological overlaps between these disorders, healthcare professionals can harness evidence from established PTSD interventions to create innovative and effective strategies for FND. Such shifts in therapeutic paradigms could significantly enhance the potential for addressing symptoms of FND, particularly among individuals with emotion-regulation difficulties and complex symptom profiles that include histories of trauma.
Promising treatments, such as prolonged exposure therapy and the unified protocol for transdiagnostic treatment of emotional disorders, merit further investigation in the context of FND. These therapies, which have shown effectiveness in alleviating symptoms of PTSD, could be adapted to address similar dysfunctions in emotion regulation and physiological stress responses in FND patients. As this line of inquiry progresses, a wealth of existing therapeutic frameworks may be mobilized to create tailored interventions that align with the unique needs of individuals grappling with FND.
However, it is crucial to acknowledge that rigorous empirical validation is necessary to confirm the efficacy of transdiagnostic approaches within treatment settings. As clinical and neuroscientific insights converge, the landscape for understanding and addressing complex neuropsychiatric features in FND can be further refined. Establishing a robust evidence base not only enhances the credibility of these interventions but also fosters wider acceptance in clinical practice, ultimately benefiting patients navigating these challenging disorders.
In summary, the connections between FND and PTSD present an exciting frontier in psychological research and treatment. By illuminating shared areas of disruption and dysfunction, researchers and clinicians can collaborate to refine therapeutic interventions that cater to the unique challenges faced by individuals suffering from these debilitating conditions. Through sustained exploration and validation of novel treatment approaches, it is possible to pave the way for significant advancements in the care provided to those affected by FND, fostering hope and healing in their journeys toward recovery.
As the scientific community continues to unravel the complexities between these two disorders, the collaboration between research and clinical practice stands to transform the therapeutic landscape. Insights gleaned from ongoing studies will undoubtedly catalyze innovations that empower individuals with FND, offering them tools and strategies to reclaim their emotional well-being and navigate their experiences with newfound resilience.
Ultimately, the integration of research on PTSD into FND treatment not only holds promise for improved patient outcomes but also emphasizes the importance of adopting a multifaceted perspective in understanding the nature of these disorders. This transdiagnostic approach has the potential to bridge gaps, fostering targeted interventions that resonate with the intricate ways in which these conditions intertwine. As further studies elucidate the neurobiological and psychological commonalities between FND and PTSD, the healthcare community may be poised to revolutionize treatment options, helping countless individuals find a path to recovery.
Subject of Research: Connections between Functional Neurological Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Article Title: Insights from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder to Inform Treatment of Functional Neurological Disorder
Article References:
Putica, A., Agathos, J. & Felmingham, K. How insights from posttraumatic stress disorder can inform treatment of functional neurological disorder. Nat Rev Psychol 4, 654–668 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s44159-025-00479-1
Image Credits: AI Generated
DOI:
Keywords: Neurobiology, Emotional Regulation, PTSD, FND, Therapeutics, Transdiagnostic Approaches
