I am one of many individuals who have suffered because of a misdiagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). Following an acute neurological event involving symptoms concerning for cerebral ischaemia, the medical system misattributed my Autistic and ADHD traits to FND, labeling me with a condition that had profound negative impacts on my health and well-being. At the time, a brain aneurysm was discovered, but the focus shifted to FND, undermining the urgency of my true medical needs. This incorrect diagnosis was made by non-specialists, leading to severe iatrogenic harm and a lasting erosion of my trust in the healthcare system.

Functional Neurological Disorder diagnoses should not be made lightly or inaccurately, yet non-specialists frequently label patients with this condition without the necessary expertise, often resulting in harmful outcomes. This widespread issue highlights an urgent need for change. Studies have shown that inappropriate and incorrect diagnosis of FND can lead to mismanagement of patient care, delay treatment for actual medical conditions, and cause significant psychological and emotional distress.

We propose two critical changes to address this issue:

1. Restrict the diagnosis of FND to specialists within the field of neuropsychiatry. These professionals are equipped with the expertise required to accurately assess and diagnose such complex conditions, thereby reducing the potential for misdiagnosis and the resultant harm.

2. Remove FND from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), and relocate its diagnostic criteria exclusively to the International Classification of Diseases, Eleventh Revision (ICD-11). Additionally, we propose renaming the disorder to better reflect the nuances and complexities of the condition. The current inclusion in DSM-5 may permit broader, less specialized interpretations, which contribute to the high rate of diagnostic errors.

The stakes are high. Misdiagnoses not only impact individuals' health and mental well-being but also strain healthcare resources by diverting attention from genuine medical issues. For the sake of patients' safety and the integrity of the medical practice, it's crucial that we implement these changes swiftly and effectively. We must prioritize accurate diagnostics by ensuring that only qualified specialists in neuropsychiatry assess and diagnose FND. Small, concrete steps can make a significant difference in safeguarding the well-being of countless patients.

By lending your signature, you are advocating for improved healthcare outcomes and supporting affected individuals in their quest for justice and accurate medical care. Please join us in urging the medical community and relevant authorities to take immediate action. Sign this petition and be part of a movement that strives for fairness, accuracy, and compassionate care in our healthcare system.