Functional Neurological Disorder Among Sexual and Gender Minority People

Abstract

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) people can face unique stressors and structural discrimination that result in higher rates of neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, and suicidality. Although more rigorous studies are needed, emerging data suggest a possible higher prevalence of functional neurological disorder and other brain-mind-body conditions in SGM people. Representation and iterative feedback from affected community members is critical to the process of developing affirming environments. More research is needed to explore the relevance of functional neurologic disorder in SGM people within a biopsychosocial framework.

Keywords: Conversion disorder; Functional movement disorder; Functional neurological disorder; Functional seizures; LGBTQ healthcare; Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures; Sexual and gender minority; Transgender.