Functional Disorders

Question 1

What are functional disorders

Answer 1

Medically unexplained symptoms

Present to all specialties esp. neurology

Question 2

Risk factors for functional disorders

Answer 2

Psychological symptoms – mental health problems

Adverse child experiences/trauma

Question 3

Presentation of mental health disorders

Answer 3

Often significant disability

Question 4

Types of functional disorders

Answer 4

Dissociative disorders – separation of consciousness from body

Somatoform disorders – emotional symptoms converted into physical symptoms

• Unconsciously done, unconscious reasons

Question 5

Differentials for functional disorders

Answer 5

Factitious disorders e.g. Munchausen’s – consciously faking symptoms for personal gain e.g. sympathy (may or may not be aware)

• Consciously done for unconscious reasons

Malingering – faking illness purely for personal gain e.g. time off work, benefits (aware they are doing it)

Question 6

Management of functional disorders

Answer 6

Explanation

Medication for co-morbid mental health problems

Psychological therapies – CBT, IPT

Question 7

Complications of functional disorders

Answer 7

Risk of iatrogenic injury – due to multiple, inappropriate investigations/treatments