FND symptoms are real: the role of hypnotherapy

Imagine knowing something is wrong with your body, but numerous tests and visits to doctors don’t show any problem. It can be difficult not having answers for symptoms such as seizures, pain, tremors, sensory changes, movement difficulties, limb weakness, and brain fog, which may all be affecting your life. 

Your family and friends are worried about you, especially as you have stopped doing the things you used to love and daily activities are getting harder. Functional neurological disorder (FND) can affect work and relationships and can lead to people relying more on others. For some people with FND, this also has a big impact on personal finances.

FND has real symptoms that are involuntary and can be very disruptive to your life.

What is functional neurological disorder (FND)?

According to FND Hope, a leading organisation for FND, it is a nervous system disorder that affects how the brain and body send and receive signals.

What happens to the neurological system with FND?

One model researchers have explored for understanding FND is predictive processing. This suggests the brain tries to predict experiences, sensations and movements based on patterns it has built. However, sometimes these predictions may develop errors, so normal functioning doesn’t happen.

What causes FND?

The cause of FND is not clear. Some people report that symptoms begin following events such as trauma, accidents, periods of stress, surgical operations or infections, but many people cannot identify a specific trigger. For some people with FND, routine scans and blood tests may not explain their symptoms.

There is no medication specifically used to treat FND. But medications can be used to treat some symptoms like pain, headaches, and depression.

For some people, FND can lead to feelings of anxiety, low mood, lack of confidence and little motivation to find ways forward. Although the symptoms of FND can wax and wane, there is hope, as people can experience improvements in their symptoms.

How can hypnotherapy help with FND?

Hypnotherapy can play an important role in the search for ways to help people with this condition. Depending on the individual, hypnotherapy may be used to:

• shift the focus away from the problem towards solutions
• reduce stress, anxiety and low mood
• increase feelings of being in control
• help manage pain
• promote relaxation and better sleep
• build confidence and self-esteem
• use imagery to rehearse different responses.

Hypnotherapy uses attention, imagination, expectation, and automatic responses to support brain functioning.

Hypnotherapy as part of a wider care plan

There is no one treatment for FND. A multidisciplinary approach, combining cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), physiotherapy, and occupational therapy, is often suggested, but as patients have different symptoms, treatment needs to be geared to their needs.

Professionals that might be involved include:

• neurologists
• psychiatrists
• physiotherapists and occupational therapists
• counsellors
• GPs
• complementary therapists.

What does the research say about hypnotherapy for FND?

As researchers better understand FND, hypnotherapy is another way people with FND may be helped. Although there is no claim that hypnotherapy can cure FND, a recent systematic review by Connors et al. (2024) reviewed 35 studies and found that 87% of people receiving hypnosis or suggestion showed significant improvements. Some people also experienced resolution of their symptoms in the short term. However, the researchers noted limitations in the quality of the evidence, and further research is needed.

Hypnotherapy is generally considered a safe and non-invasive approach when practised by a qualified practitioner. Some hypnotherapists also use CBT with the treatment. Hypnosis may be an evidence-informed process that helps people feel better and move forward.

People seeking help with hypnotherapy should have a diagnosis from a doctor before commencing hypnotherapy to rule out any other causes.

What happens during a hypnotherapy session?

Hypnotherapists work in different ways because of their different training. However, they will check consent, ask questions, and make assessments to understand the symptoms, how they are affecting the person’s life, and what they want for the future.

Everything will be explained before the hypnotherapy starts. Hypnosis can happen through conversation or in a structured process. The aim is to use words in a special way to help change the negative thoughts, feelings and behaviours.

What does hypnotherapy feel like?

Everyone experiences hypnotherapy differently. Most people feel calm and relaxed and just focus on the hypnotherapist’s voice. They might listen to a story or positive suggestions through imagination to encourage change.

During hypnotherapy, people do not lose control, become unconscious or go to sleep.

How to find out more about FND and hypnotherapy

Consider speaking with a hypnotherapist to find out how they might help you. Ask questions and check their experience and credentials.