FND module: information and guidance for patients

Who is this intervention for?

This module is designed for adults who have been diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). People with FND may experience a range of neurological symptoms, including weakness, involuntary movements, seizures or episodes of loss of consciousness, altered sensation, or difficulties with memory, speech, vision or hearing.

The module can be used in both primary and secondary care settings. For example, it may be offered by a mental health nurse practitioner (POH-GGZ), shortly after diagnosis by a neurologist, as preparation for treatment within specialist mental healthcare services, or while waiting for treatment to begin.

What does the module cover?

The module consists of four chapters:

• An introduction to FND and its associated symptoms.
• An explanation of how FND develops, including the biopsychosocial model. Patients can create a personal overview of factors that may play a role in their symptoms, such as predisposing factors, triggers and maintaining factors.
• Information about treatment options.
• Practical advice for living with FND.

The module includes written information, videos and animations. Patients can choose to skip certain sections or return to them later.

The module is completed independently and online. Patients decide which information they engage with and at what pace. Most people complete the module over the course of four weeks, working through one chapter per week. Each chapter takes approximately one hour to complete.

How can healthcare professionals use the module?

The module was developed to provide patients diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) with essential information about the condition and its treatment. The need for this information is often greatest shortly after diagnosis. At the same time, the module’s up-to-date and reliable content can also be valuable for people who received their diagnosis some time ago.

The module can be offered soon after diagnosis by a neurologist, for example through a mental health nurse practitioner (POH-GGZ). It can also be used as preparation for a treatment programme or during waiting periods, for example within mental healthcare services.

After completing the module, patients have a better understanding of the condition and the treatment options available. This can help them feel better prepared to start treatment.

The module can be completed independently and does not require support from a therapist. Patients have the opportunity to create a personal overview of biological, psychological and social factors that may contribute to the development and persistence of their symptoms.

This overview can be discussed by the healthcare professional and the patient together, helping to identify potential starting points for treatment.

Development of the module

The module was developed by physician-researcher Marleen Bracke, together with a multidisciplinary team consisting of neurologist Jeannette Gelauff, psychiatrist Sonja Rutten, psychologists Mayke Mol and Rosa Boeschoten (all affiliated with Amsterdam UMC), and experts by experience Manouk van de Klundert (affiliated with NALK), Quinty Philippine Hartendorp and Chloé Calis.

Research and user experiences

Research has shown positive results in both understanding and acceptance of the diagnosis. In a study involving 31 people with FND, participants reported a better understanding of the condition and greater acceptance of their diagnosis after completing the module.

Satisfaction with the module was high, with participants rating their likelihood of recommending it to others at 9 out of 10.