Functional Neurological Disorder is a Feminist issue
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-21, 16:39authored byCabreira, V, McLouhlin, C, Hoeritauer, I, Aybek, S, Adams, C, Jane AltyJane Alty, Ball, H, Baker, J, Kim, D, Buress, C, Finkelstein, S, Garcin, B, Gelauff, J, Goldstein, L, Jordbru, A, Huys, AC, Laffan, A, Lidstone, S, Linden, S, Ludwig, L, Maggio, J, Morgante, F, Mallam, E, Nicholson, C, ONeal, M, OSullivan, S, Parees, I, Petrochilos, P, Pick, S, Phillips, W, Roelofs, K, Newby, R, Stanton, B, Gray, C, Yoyce, E, Tijssen, M, McCormick, M, Gardiner, P, Begue, I, Tuttle, MC, Williams, I, McRae, S, Voon, V, McWhirter, L
Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a common and disabling disorder, often misunderstood by clinicians. Though viewed sceptically by some, FND is a diagnosis that can be made accurately, based on positive clinical signs, with clinical features that have remained stable for over 100 years. Despite some progress in the last decade, people with FND continue to suffer subtle and overt forms of discrimination by clinicians, researchers and the public. There is abundant evidence that disorders perceived as primarily affecting women are neglected in healthcare and medical research, and the course of FND mirrors this neglect. We outline the reasons why FND is a feminist issue, incorporating historical and contemporary clinical, research and social perspectives. We call for parity for FND in medical education, research, and clinical service development; so that people affected by FND can receive the care they need.