Functional neurological disorders: from past to present

Summary Functional disorders are a frequent challenge in neurology as their pathophysiology remains elusive and absolute diagnostic criteria are lacking. The main categories of functional disorders in neurology comprise functional movement disorders, pseudo-seizures, functional neurological deficits, psychogenic pain, and functional neuropsychological deficits. Although misdiagnoses have been frequent in the past, organic disorders are rarely missed in more recent research. Positive criteria for functional disorders may thus be helpful for an accurate diagnosis and must be preferred over mere exclusion of organic causes.