Which term is used in DSM-5-TR to describe non-organic neurological symptoms not explained by known neuroanatomy?

• A. Factitious Disorder
• B. Somatic Symptom Disorder
• C. Illness Anxiety Disorder
• D. Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder

Answer: (D)

Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder describes neurologic-like symptoms that can’t be explained by known neuroanatomy or medical disease. The symptoms are real and distressing, such as weakness, abnormal movements, non-epileptic spells, blindness, or gait problems, but neurological testing doesn’t reveal an organic basis. A key point is that these symptoms are not intentionally produced and aren’t driven by external incentives like in malingering or factitious disorders. This distinguishes them from conditions that involve a focus on having an illness (Illness Anxiety Disorder) or somatic symptoms with excessive worry (Somatic Symptom Disorder). In this scenario, the presentation fits best with Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder.