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Published in: Journal of Neurology 4/2024

Open Access 13-12-2023 | Anxiety | Original Communication

Routine outcomes and evaluation of an 8-week outpatient multidisciplinary rehabilitative therapy program for functional neurological disorder

Authors: Lisette Guy, Gabriella A. Caceres, Temeika Jackson, Sean Gorman, Jennifer Wilson, Yvonne Hsieh, Demelza Petty, Simon Harrison, Susannah Pick

Published in: Journal of Neurology | Issue 4/2024

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Abstract

Objectives

We report routinely collected outcome data from an 8-week outpatient rehabilitative therapy program. The aims of the intervention were to (1) reduce symptom severity and (2) improve functional mobility in adults with functional neurological disorder (FND).

Methods

The program delivered individual physiotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and self-management sessions, group physiotherapy, and psychoeducation. Outcome measures included the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS), 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT), Timed Up and Go (TUG), and Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Data were analyzed retrospectively in accordance with routine service evaluation. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests assessed changes in outcomes between weeks 1 and 8 for all patients completing treatment (n = 45). For patients who attended the 3-month follow-up (n = 31), Friedman’s ANOVA assessed overall change in outcomes over time. Post hoc Wilcoxon signed-rank tests compared pairs of time-points (Weeks 1, 8, and 3-month follow-up).

Results

Analyses of patients completing the program revealed significant improvements in scores between week 1 and week 8. Excluding the BBS, there were statistically significant improvements in all outcomes between weeks 1 and 8 and between weeks 1 and 3-month follow-up.

Discussion

This outpatient therapy program provided effective treatment for FND. Patients reported reduced anxiety, depression, and functional impairment, as well as improved performance on most physiotherapy measures.
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Metadata
Title
Routine outcomes and evaluation of an 8-week outpatient multidisciplinary rehabilitative therapy program for functional neurological disorder
Authors
Lisette Guy
Gabriella A. Caceres
Temeika Jackson
Sean Gorman
Jennifer Wilson
Yvonne Hsieh
Demelza Petty
Simon Harrison
Susannah Pick
Publication date
13-12-2023
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Journal of Neurology / Issue 4/2024
Print ISSN: 0340-5354
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1459
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-023-12111-4

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