Al-Sibahee Essam M, Hashim Ahmed, Al-Badri Sajjad, Al-Fatlawi Nabeel
Department of Medicine, Neurology, University of Baghdad Bab al-Moadham Campus College of Medicine, Baghdad, Iraq.
Department of Medicine, University of Baghdad Bab al-Moadham Campus College of Medicine, Baghdad, Iraq.
BMJ Neurol Open. 2023 Sep 30;5(2):e000470. doi: 10.1136/bmjno-2023-000470. eCollection 2023.
Functional neurological disorder (FND) is a complex condition with neurological symptoms but no clear structural or biochemical explanation. Myths and misconceptions about FND can lead to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. This study aimed to assess knowledge and common myths about FND among medical students and practitioners.
Data were collected from 324 participants using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire included demographics, general information about FND and myths about FND. Data were analysed using non-parametric tests and Spearman's r for correlations.
The majority of participants were clinical-years medical students (65.1%) and female (59.6%). Overall, knowledge about FND was limited, with a mean score of 42.3% of correct answers. Common myths included the belief that FND is a psychological disorder and that patients feign symptoms. Knowledge scores differed significantly among different grades/experience levels, with postgraduate practitioners having the highest scores. There was a positive correlation between knowledge scores and confidence in managing FND.
This study highlights the prevalence of myths and misconceptions about FND among medical students and practitioners, emphasising the need for accurate education to improve diagnosis and management. Healthcare professionals should take a biopsychosocial approach to FND, considering the complex interplay between biological, psychological and social factors. Efforts to increase awareness and reduce stigma associated with FND are crucial for promoting better care. Targeted educational interventions may be beneficial to improve the understanding and management of FND among medical professionals.
功能性神经障碍（FND）是一种具有神经症状但无明确结构或生化解释的复杂病症。关于FND的误解和错误观念可能导致误诊和不恰当的治疗。本研究旨在评估医学生和从业者对FND的了解程度以及常见的误解。
使用结构化问卷从324名参与者收集数据。问卷包括人口统计学信息、关于FND的一般信息以及关于FND的误解。使用非参数检验和Spearman's r进行相关性分析。
大多数参与者是临床年级的医学生（65.1%），女性占59.6%。总体而言，对FND的了解有限，正确答案的平均得分率为42.3%。常见的误解包括认为FND是一种心理障碍以及患者伪装症状。不同年级/经验水平的知识得分存在显著差异，研究生从业者得分最高。知识得分与管理FND的信心之间存在正相关。
本研究强调了医学生和从业者中关于FND的误解和错误观念的普遍性，强调需要进行准确的教育以改善诊断和管理。医疗保健专业人员应采用生物心理社会方法来处理FND，考虑生物、心理和社会因素之间的复杂相互作用。提高对FND的认识并减少与之相关的耻辱感对于促进更好的护理至关重要。有针对性的教育干预可能有助于提高医疗专业人员对FND的理解和管理。
