Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a prevalent, stigmatised and costly condition that has a significant impact on quality of life. Listening to the narratives of FND patients has been identified as crucial in developing an understanding of the disorder, yet few studies have addressed this and accounts have historically been neglected or misinterpreted. The current study aimed to explore the lived experiences of individuals diagnosed with FND. The research employed a qualitative design, using online one-to-one semi structured interviews analysed through Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Participants (n = 12) diagnosed with FND were recruited via the social media of relevant charities in the United Kingdom. Three Group Experiential Themes and eight corresponding Personal Experimental Themes are reported: (1) A battle fought alone: (1a) Bereft of care (1b) Physical and psychological isolation; (2) Interpersonal conundrums: (2a) Stigma from all directions (2b) A family affair (2c) Connecting with the ingroup; (3) Thriving through adversity: (3a) Moving through fear to grieving, then acceptance (3b) Fostering hope and self-discovery (3c) Finding meaning and purpose. Life with FND was a lonely experience, with limited professional support and physical / psychological isolation. Participants faced interpersonal challenges, with stigma common in both personal and professional relationships. Experiences of peer support were mixed. Participants managed the disabling impact of symptoms by reaching a place of acceptance, developing self-insight and practicing strategies such as mindfulness and gratitude. The importance of rediscovering purpose through meaningful pursuits was also highlighted. The study provides insight into the experience of living with FND, including the challenges and management strategies. It presents a call to action for greater investment in FND to achieve parity of esteem with other neurological conditions, suggesting potential practice implications.

Keywords: Functional neurological disorder; conversion disorder; functional cognitive disorder; functional movement disorder; functional seizures.

功能性神经障碍（FND）是一种常见的、带有污名的和成本高昂的疾病，对患者的生活质量有重大影响。聆听FND患者的叙述被认为是理解该病的关键，然而很少有研究关注这一点，并且长期以来这些经历被忽视或误解。本研究旨在探讨被诊断为FND个体的实际生活体验。研究采用定性设计，通过在线一对一半结构化访谈进行分析，使用解释现象学分析方法。参与者（n=12）是通过英国相关慈善机构的社交媒体招募的，并被诊断出患有FND。报告了三个群体经历主题和八个相应的个人经历主题：（1）独自作战：（1a）缺乏关怀；（1b）身体和心理隔离；（2）人际难题：（2a）来自各方的污名；（2b）家庭事务；（2c）与同侪相连；（3）逆境中成长：（3a）从恐惧到哀悼，然后是接受；（3b）培养希望和自我发现；（3c）寻找意义和目的。患有FND的生活是一种孤独的经历，专业支持有限，并且存在身体或心理隔离的情况。参与者面临着人际挑战，在个人和职业关系中普遍存在着污名问题。同伴支持的体验参差不齐。参与者通过达到接受的状态、培养自我洞察力以及实践如正念和感恩等策略来应对症状带来的残疾影响。重新通过有意义的行为发现生命目的的重要性也被强调出来。该研究提供了关于与FND共存的经验，包括挑战和管理策略方面的见解，并提出了加大在FND方面投入的呼吁，以实现与其他神经系统疾病同等重视的局面，并建议可能的实际应用。

关键词：功能性神经障碍；转换性障碍；功能性认知障碍；运动功能障碍；功能性癫痫。