Does FND Affect Lifespan?
FND does not shorten lifespan or cause death—it is not a degenerative or life-threatening condition, and mortality rates are not elevated compared to the general population. 1
Mortality and Life Expectancy
- FND is definitively not associated with reduced life expectancy, distinguishing it from progressive neurological diseases 1
- The condition does not cause structural brain damage or organ failure that would impact survival 1
- Patients can be reassured that while FND causes real disability and distress, it poses no threat to longevity 1
Impact on Quality of Life Rather Than Lifespan
While FND doesn't affect how long patients live, it significantly impacts how they live:
- High levels of distress, disability, and unemployment are frequently experienced, with substantial reductions in quality of life being the primary burden 1
- Symptoms can present acutely and resolve quickly, or persist long-term, creating variable functional impairment 1
- The disorder commonly causes severe disability in some individuals, affecting young and middle-aged adults predominantly 2
Prognosis With Treatment
- 60-96% of patients report improvement after appropriate multidisciplinary intervention, with measurable gains across mobility, depression, and quality of life domains 1
- Realistic timelines for improvement range from 12-25 months with comprehensive treatment 1
- Patients experience symptoms as more understandable and less distressing after treatment, even when symptoms don't completely resolve 1
Common Comorbidities to Monitor
While FND itself doesn't affect lifespan, clinicians should remain vigilant about associated conditions:
- Psychiatric comorbidities occur in 40-100% of patients depending on FND subtype, with anxiety disorders being most frequent 3
- Chronic pain syndromes are present in approximately 50% of cases 3
- Neurological comorbidities like epilepsy can coexist (20% in functional seizures) and require separate management 3
The key clinical message: FND is a disorder of function, not structure, and does not impact survival—focus should be on optimizing quality of life through evidence-based rehabilitation rather than prognostic concerns about mortality. 1