Abstract
Pediatric functional neurological symptom disorder (FNSD or conversion disorder) is an often misunderstood but treatable condition that frequently presents in medical settings with unexplained symptoms. Although research regarding treatment of pediatric FNSD is increasing, it is still in its infancy and studies in pediatrics do not provide clear guidelines about which patients are most likely to benefit from various treatments. The role of pediatric psychologists may include consultation, assessment, treatment, program development, and providing education to patients, families, and healthcare colleagues in various disciplines. The purpose of this article is to provide a review of FNSD, discuss the importance of timely and accurate diagnosis, suggest how to present information to patients and families, and present options for treatment that are either supported by preliminary research or clinical experiences of the authors.
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Abbreviations
- ACT:
-
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- CBT:
-
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- ED:
-
Emergency department
- DLPFC:
-
Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex
- FNSD:
-
Functional neurological symptom disorder
- MPFC:
-
Medial prefrontal cortex
- PNES:
-
Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures
- SMA:
-
Supplementary motor area
- TPJ:
-
Temporoparietal junction
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Karen E. Weiss, Kyle J. Steinman, Ian Kodish, Leslie Sim, Sharon Yurs, Celeste Steggall, and Aaron D. Fobian declare that they have no conflict of interest.
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Weiss, K.E., Steinman, K.J., Kodish, I. et al. Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder in Children and Adolescents within Medical Settings. J Clin Psychol Med Settings 28, 90–101 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10880-020-09736-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10880-020-09736-2