04/23/2026
Understanding FND starts with recognizing that it doesn’t have a single cause. It reflects patterns in the nervous system shaped over time—through biology, experience, and environment.
This perspective aligns closely with how we approach care at Boulder Center for NeuroHealth: supporting the whole person and the nervous system with education, safety, and integration.
With the right support and understanding, change is possible.
Why Do People Develop FND?
Functional Neurological Disorder ( ) doesn’t have a single cause—it’s a condition shaped by how the nervous system responds, adapts, and protects over time.
Here’s one way to understand it:
Predisposing Factors (things that may make the nervous system more sensitive)
• Genetics or biology
• Chronic health conditions
• Past stress or trauma
• A highly responsive nervous system
Precipitating Factors (things that can overwhelm the system)
• Illness or injury
• Major life stress
• Sudden or intense experiences
Perpetuating Factors (things that can keep the system stuck in a pattern)
• Ongoing stress or uncertainty
• Lack of understanding or support
• Isolation from community
• Fear around symptoms
FND is often described as a biopsychosocial condition, but at its core, it reflects a nervous system that has learned patterns of protection.
🧬 Biological — how the body is wired
🧠 Psychological — how we process and respond
🌍 Social — the environments we live in
FND symptoms arise from a nervous system doing its best to cope. With the right support, safety, and understanding, the nervous system can learn new patterns.
Learn more at www.fndcourage.org