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Transformation through understanding
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August is Women's Month in South Africa
Honour who you are becoming...
August is Women's Month in South Africa - a time to honour the fierce strength, quiet courage, and immeasurable contributions of women from all walks of life. This month, and on Women's Day - 9th August, we shine a light on the often unseen: the daily battles faced by women living with invisible illnesses like Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), and the unwavering presence of those who walk beside them - carers, therapists, partners, family, and friends - who offer support, patience, and love in countless unseen ways.
Together, they rise - carrying stories of resillience, tenderness, and the kind of bravery that doesn't always shout, but never fades. We honour you all.
Functional Movement Disorders (FMDs), a subtype of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), affect women at a significantly higher rate than men. A study by Drs. José Fidel Baizabal-Carvallo and Joseph Jankovic found that women made up approximately 70% of 196 patients diagnosed with FMDs.
Why is there such a disparity? While the reasons are complex, a response article by Drs. Anjali Chouksey and Sanjay Pandey, titled "Gender Differences in Functional Movement Disorder: Sociocultural or Biological?", points to several factors. It suggests the higher numbers could be partly because women are more likely to seek medical help — a proactive step in managing their health. The discussion also highlights the higher reported rates of anxiety, depression, and trauma in women as potential contributing factors.
Quiet Battles, Loud Courage
Women so often speak up, seek help, and persist — even when their pain is invisible to others. The research not only confirms that FND is a significant women's health issue but also highlights the strength shown in the proactive step of seeking help.
These studies offer a deep dive into the complexities of FND, moving beyond statistics to explore the nuanced reasons behind them.
Your condition is real. Your courage is undeniable.
This Women’s Day, we honour you.
"Functional, Not Fictional"
Disclaimer: The person in this video does not have Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). She shares her personal healing journey as a woman, offering insight into themes of resilience, identity, softness, and growth. This video forms part of our celebration of Women's Month.
A Call to Our Medical Allies: Partner with Us!
Research confirms what we see daily: women make up nearly 70% of FMD diagnoses. They proactively seek help, turning a clinical statistic into a story of courage.
Your expertise can bridge the gap between data and patient experience. We invite neurologists, psychiatrists, psychologists, gynaecologists, counsellors, nutritionists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists to be guest speakers at our online FND Support Group meetings. Help us empower a community that is fighting to be seen and heard.
We can address these issues if a growing number of healthcare professionals, patient advocacy groups, and research organisations come together to educate the public, patients, and healthcare providers about Functional Neurological Disorder (FND).
