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How to explain FND (without making it worse)
The way FND is explained often shapes fear, trust and recovery. This sheet is for patients to re-read, and for clinicians and families looking for careful language.
A short explanation many people find useful
“FND is a problem with how the nervous system is functioning — how the brain and body send signals — rather than damage we can always see on a scan. Your symptoms are real. They are not imaginary and not your fault. With the right understanding and plan, many people can improve.”
Language tips
Prefer
- “Your symptoms are real”
- “Functional means a software problem, not ‘fake’”
- “Scans looking normal can still fit FND”
- “We have a plan for rehab and safety-netting”
- “Fluctuation is common in FND”
Avoid if possible
- “There’s nothing wrong with you”
- “It’s just stress / anxiety” (alone)
- “You need to try harder / ignore it”
- “Medically unexplained” as the whole story
- Debating the person in front of others
For family and friends
Belief matters. Help with practical tasks on bad days, protect rest after flares, and avoid pressuring someone to “prove” symptoms. Ask what support they want rather than taking over completely.
Safety first
Call 999 for a suspected stroke, first seizure, severe breathing difficulty or other medical emergency. For urgent concerns that are not an emergency, contact NHS 111 where available or your local urgent-care service. Do not assume new or different symptoms are FND.
Continue overleaf for practical next steps, a personal plan and sources →