Does Functional Neurological Disorder Reduce Lifespan?
FND does not reduce lifespan or cause death—it is not a degenerative or life-threatening condition, and mortality is not elevated compared to the general population. 1
Mortality and Life Expectancy
- FND does not shorten life expectancy. The condition is fundamentally non-fatal and does not progress to cause death. 1
- Mortality rates in FND patients are comparable to age-matched controls in the general population. 1
- Unlike neurodegenerative conditions, FND does not involve progressive structural brain damage or organ failure that would impact survival. 1
Impact on Quality of Life (Not Lifespan)
While FND does not affect mortality, it significantly impacts morbidity and quality of life:
- Symptoms can cause severe disability, distress, unemployment, and reduced quality of life in affected individuals. 1
- The burden of disease manifests through functional impairment rather than life-threatening complications. 1
- Patients frequently experience high levels of disability and role impairments, but these do not translate to increased mortality risk. 2, 1
Prognosis and Recovery Timeline
- Symptoms can present acutely and resolve quickly, or persist long-term, with realistic timelines for improvement ranging from 12-25 months with multidisciplinary intervention. 1
- 60-96% of patients report improvement after treatment, with measurable gains in mobility, depression, and quality of life. 1
- The condition is potentially reversible with appropriate treatment, further distinguishing it from life-limiting neurological diseases. 3
Common Pitfall to Avoid
Do not conflate the significant disability and distress caused by FND with life-threatening disease. While patients may experience profound functional impairment that severely affects their daily living, this does not translate to reduced survival. The focus should be on optimizing function and quality of life through multidisciplinary rehabilitation rather than prognostic discussions about mortality. 3, 1