Treatments for FND
Although there isn’t a single medication that can “cure” FND, the encouraging news is that many people can improve significantly—and some fully recover—when they receive the right support. Treatment for Functional Neurological Disorder typically involves several types of therapy working together. This is known as a multidisciplinary approach, meaning that different healthcare professionals contribute their expertise to address the condition from multiple angles.
It is also important that people with FND contribute to their own wellbeing and are partners in the treatment process.
Learning self-management skills is an essential part of living with FND. Home physiotherapy exercises, relaxation techniques, mindfulness meditation, yoga, tai chi, and maintaining good sleep and nutrition habits can all help the nervous system regain balance. Many people also notice improvement when they better understand their condition (through psychoeducation) and make practical lifestyle adjustments—such as managing stress and pacing activities to avoid the “boom-and-bust” cycle of overexertion followed by fatigue.
Peer support is another powerful tool. Connecting with others who have FND—through groups like FNDLincs—can provide reassurance, practical tips, and a sense of community. Knowing you’re not alone can be both comforting and empowering.
Physiotherapy is often a key part of FND treatment, particularly for movement-related symptoms. Specialist neuro-physiotherapists work with you to relearn typical movement patterns and to rebuild confidence in using the affected parts of your body. For example, targeted exercises can help gradually restore a normal walking pattern or reduce tremors.
Importantly, physiotherapy for FND isn’t focused on strengthening weak muscles—your muscles are usually physically healthy. Instead, the goal is to retrain the communication between your brain and body so movements become automatic and reliable again.
Occupational therapists can support you by helping you manage everyday activities that have become challenging because of your symptoms. They may suggest practical strategies such as pacing—balancing activity with rest to prevent flare-ups—as well as recommending mobility aids or adjustments to your home or workplace. These changes are designed to make daily life more manageable and support your recovery.
Psychological support is another important part of FND treatment. This doesn’t mean that FND is “all in the mind.” Instead, it recognises that stress, trauma, and anxiety can strongly influence how the nervous system functions. Addressing these factors can significantly improve neurological symptoms.
Many people with FND benefit from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), trauma-focused therapies, or other psychological approaches. Clinical psychologists can also teach pain-management skills and practical coping strategies. In FND, the mind and body are closely linked, and working on both can lead to better outcomes.
If you experience speech or swallowing difficulties—which some people with FND do—a speech and language therapist can help. They provide exercises and techniques to improve these functions, similar to the support given after a stroke but specifically adapted to the needs of someone with FND.
There is no medication that directly “corrects” the brain–body miscommunication seen in FND. However, medicines can still be very helpful for managing specific symptoms or related conditions. For example, a doctor might prescribe pain relief for chronic pain, or antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications if mood symptoms are present. Anti-seizure drugs are not used to treat functional (non-epileptic) seizures themselves, but they may be prescribed if someone also has epilepsy or migraines. Some people with functional seizures do experience fewer attacks with certain medications, although therapy remains the main treatment.
In short, medication can support your overall care plan, but it is usually one part of a wider, personalised approach to managing FND.
Ongoing and Self-Management
FND treatment often takes time, and it may involve trying different approaches or combining therapies before finding what works best. A key part of managing FND is taking an active role in your own health and wellbeing. Self-management isn’t optional—it’s an essential part of the recovery process.
Helpful strategies include grounding techniques to stay present during symptoms, pacing to balance activity and rest, managing your mindset and mental health, and making healthy lifestyle choices around diet, sleep, and exercise. By practising these skills consistently, many people are able to reduce symptoms, handle flare-ups more confidently, and get better results from professional treatments.
In short: treating FND involves retraining the brain and body through a personalised mix of therapies—and building strong self-management habits that support long-term improvement and recovery.
Recovery & Awareness
FND treatment is highly individualised—what helps one person may not work as well for someone else. One of the most important early steps is finding clinicians who understand FND. In Lincolnshire, awareness is increasing, and FNDLincs is actively working to educate local healthcare providers so that more professionals can offer appropriate support. We also advocate for dedicated multidisciplinary FND clinics and clinical pathways, helping ensure that patients don’t get lost between physical, neurology and mental health services.
It’s also important to know that recovery from FND is rarely a straight line. Progress often comes with good days and setbacks. Some people make significant recoveries, while others continue to have symptoms but learn to manage them more effectively. Our message is one of hope: with steady personal effort and the right support, meaningful improvement is possible.
At FNDLincs, we celebrate every step forward—whether it’s walking a bit farther than before, having fewer seizures, or returning to an activity you love. We encourage you to stay committed to your rehabilitation plan, and we’re here to support you throughout your journey.
