Functional Neurological Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder : A Complex and Potentially Significant Relationship
González-Herrero, Belén (St George's University)
Happé, Francesca (King's College London. Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience)
Nicholson, Timothy R. (King's College London. Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience)
Morgante, Francesca (St George's University)
Pagonabarraga Mora, Javier (Institut de Recerca Sant Pau)
Deeley, Quinton (King's College London. Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience)
Edwards, Mark J. (King's College London. Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience)
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Departament de Medicina

Date:	2024
Abstract:	Functional neurological disorder (FND) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are two complex neuropsychiatric conditions that have been historically classified within psychiatric domains, resulting in a lack of extensive research, insufficient clinical recognition, and persistent societal stigma. In recent years, there has been an increasing recognition among professionals and affected individuals of their possible overlap. This review explores the potential clinical and mechanistic overlap between FND and ASD, with particular attention to shared symptoms across sensory, motor, and psychiatric domains. We conducted a narrative analysis utilizing the PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and ScienceDirect databases from inception to June 2024. The search employed specific MeSH terms related to ASD and FND. Given the limited data availability, we included all relevant articles that explored the potential connections between FND and ASD, focusing on established findings and theoretical hypotheses areas. Scientific evidence indicates that FND and ASD may co-occur more frequently than previously acknowledged and with notable overlaps in their clinical presentations and pathophysiology. Theoretical models that have been applied to FND and ASD, such as the Bayesian brain theory and the tripartite model of autism, may provide valuable insights into the intersection of these conditions. Although much of the current evidence remains speculative, it underscores the need for hypothesis-driven research to investigate these potential connections further. ASD and FND are heterogeneous conditions that appear to co-occur in a subset of individuals, with overlapping symptomatology and possibly shared underlying mechanisms. This hypothesis-generating review emphasizes the need for further research to better understand these links, ultimately aiming to improve clinical recognition and develop targeted interventions that enhance the quality of life for affected individuals. This review explores the overlap between functional neurological disorder and autism spectrum disorder, highlighting shared issues like chronic pain, sensory sensitivities, and hypermobility. It also examines theoretical models, including the Bayesian brain theory, to offer insights into this intersection. The ultimate aim is to promote knowledge and research into this co-occurrence to improve the quality of life of affected individuals.
Note:	Altres ajuts: acords transformatius de la UAB
Rights:	Aquest document està subjecte a una llicència d'ús Creative Commons. Es permet la reproducció total o parcial, la distribució, la comunicació pública de l'obra i la creació d'obres derivades, fins i tot amb finalitats comercials, sempre i quan es reconegui l'autoria de l'obra original.
Language:	Anglès
Document:	Article ; recerca ; Versió publicada
Subject:	Autism spectrum disorder ; Bayesian brain ; Clinical overlap ; Functional neurological disorder ; Interoception ; Review
Published in:	Brain and behavior, Vol. 14, Num. 12 (December 2024) , ISSN 2162-3279

DOI: 10.1002/brb3.70168
PMID: 39705515

21 p, 550.3 KB

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Research literature > UAB research groups literature > Research Centres and Groups (research output) > Health sciences and biosciences > Institut de Recerca Sant Pau
Articles > Research articles
Articles > Published articles