Functional movement disorders can be defined as “Symptoms with no organic cause, or that are out of proportion to underlying illness” (Royal College of Psychiatrists, 2012). The diagnosis includes conditions with no medical explanation AND conditions where there is some underlying pathology but an exaggerated response. Often such patients get passed from service to service seeking solutions, and often report having unhelpful experiences with healthcare professionals.
Holistic treatment approaches, including physical and psychological aspects can be incredibly helpful for children and young people with functional movement disorders, however regionally and nationally accessing treatment can be challenging. Maggie has experience in managing children and young people with functional movement disorders within her inpatient service. Vic works within an outpatient service treating a range of children and young people with persistent physical symptoms, including those with functional movement disorders, and is involved in work to develop services across the North East region
They will share the background to their work and the impact it may have on those professionals who see these patients.