Prevalence of Functional Neurological Disorders in Iran: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Mohammad  Arbabi; Sana  Eybpoosh; Sina Taherzadeh-Boroujeni; Amirhossein  Jafari

doi:10.18502/jimc.v9i1.20474

Mohammad Arbabi Silverwood Unit, St Peter’s Hospital, Surrey and Borders Partnership Foundation Trust
Sana Eybpoosh Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Pasteur institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
Sina Taherzadeh-Boroujeni Psychiatrist, Tehran, Iran
Amirhossein Jafari Department of Psychiatry, Roozbeh Hospital, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jimc.v9i1.20474

Keywords: Conversion disorder, Electronics, General hospitals, Iran, Prevalence, Psychiatric, Department, Search engine, Seizures

Abstract

Background: Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is characterized by neurological symptoms that are incompatible with known neurological diseases. This disorder can be disabling, imposing a significant burden on patients, society, and the healthcare system. There is limited data on the epidemiology of FND in Iran. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and manifestations of FND in Iran.

Methods: Electronic databases, including Embase, ISI, Google Scholar, PubMed, IranDoc, and the Scientific Information Database, were systematically searched in 2024 using keywords related to the epidemiology of FND in Iran. Additionally, other scientific reports, such as national survey reports and dissertations, were reviewed. After screening and assessing the articles, eligible studies were included in the review. A meta-analysis was conducted using the random-effects model.

Results: A total of 578 articles were screened from which 20 full-text articles were assessed. Finally, nine studies were included in the quantitative synthesis. Of these, three were conducted in psychiatric wards, four in general hospitals and non-psychiatric departments, one in a neuropsychiatric service, and one in community and school settings. The reported prevalence of FND across these studies ranged from 3.2 to 8.2%.

Conclusion: Seizures were the most common manifestation of FND. The prevalence rate of FND varied across studies depending on the study setting and methodology.