Functional neurological movement disorders are common conditions that can lead to significant limitations in daily life. They result from a functional disorder in the brain. A clear, understandable, and empathetic explanation of the diagnosis is a crucial first step in treatment. The purpose of this clinical study is to investigate how a clear and detailed explanation of the diagnosis of functional neurological movement disorders affects patients' understanding of their condition and their symptoms The investigators are interested in how well patients understand the diagnosis and the symptoms they experience as the disease progresses, as well as how the conversation between patient and doctor is experienced from both perspectives. In addition, as part of the study, a one-time examination using brain imaging (magnetic resonance imaging) will be conducted to better understand possible differences in brain function.
Functional paralysis
Functional seizures
Functional tremor
Functional drop attacks
The patient is unable to give informed consent.
The patient is temporarily unable to give informed consent.
The patient does not have sufficiently understand German language to answer the questionnaires (the questionnaires are available only in German).
Single group
Psychoeducational communication guide for first-diagnosis of FND
BehavioralThe intervention is a structured communication protocol used by physicians to provide a systematic, evidence-based explanation of the diagnosis to patients with Functional Movement Disorders (FMD). The primary goal is to foster a common understanding of the condition, validate the patient's experience, and establish a foundation for active rehabilitation. The psychoeducational session follows a 14-step framework designed to address the clinical, neurological, and psychological dimensions of the disorder
Illness Perception
Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ-R), Range (min, max scores) varies by subscale (typically 1-5 per item), Higher scores indicate more negative perceptions.
Trust in the diagnosis
3 questions whether participants trust the diagnosis
Doctor shopping intentions
Question on whether participants intent to consult other physicians regarding their diagnosis in the future
Symptom Burden of functional movement disorders
Symptom-Functional Movement Disorder Rating Scale (S-FMDRS), Range: 0 - 60; higher scores mean greater symptom burden and severity
Functional comorbidities
measured with selected subscales of the PHQ-D , which is the German translation and validation of the "Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)" by Löwe et al., 1999. Higher values indicate higher scores indicate more severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, or somatization. Scores range from 0-3 per item.
Patient-reported outcome measures of functional neurological disorders
PROM questionnaire by Michaelis et al. (2026) assessing the extent and the impact of the movement disorder on the patient. Self-reported measurement. Range: 16 to 80 with higher values indicating higher severity/impairment.
health-related quality of life
Assessed with the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF36), a questionnaire of the patient's subjective quality of life, measured with 36 items rated on a likert scale, range of the total score goes from 0 to 100 with higher values indicating better health-related quality of life and function.
Remaining questions
assessing remaining open questions with regards to the FND diagnosis after the psychoeducation and diagnosis explanation , asked by the study team
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