Accepted for/Published in: Journal of Medical Internet Research
Date Submitted: Mar 5, 2025
Date Accepted: Aug 7, 2025
How Functional Neurological Disorder is discussed on X (Twitter): A Social Network and Content Analysis
ABSTRACT
Background:
Social networks strongly influence health outcomes. The impact of online social networks while much less studied, is a growing area of concern. We aimed to analyse and describe how Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is discussed on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
Objective:
We aimed to analyse and describe how Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is discussed on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
Methods:
Using search terms related to FND, the authors collected data from 426 users and 1,104 posts generating a total of 7,640 replies and reposts over a two-month timeframe. Quantitative descriptive and social network analyses were carried out to map key influential users and communities, in addition to measuring influence of users. Content analysis was undertaken to describe the prevalent topics being discussed.
Results:
More users overall were associated with conditions outside FND (n=180/42%), mostly Long Covid and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), compared with FND (n=148/35%). Self-declared patients comprised 41% of posts (n=155/36.4% of users). Social network analysis revealed two separate communities with little interaction, with prominence of ME/CFS and Long Covid-associated users over FND users. Seven of the top ten most influential users often displayed anti-FND views, while FND organisations and professionals had much less influence. Content analysis showed themes of conflict, deception, mistreatment and knowledge.
Conclusions:
A large proportion of the discourse around FND on X is shaped by users who are dismissive of the concept of FND, and those associated with it. These findings have implications for individuals getting support for a condition that is already widely misunderstood. This study could provide a template for assessing how other conditions are perceived online Clinical Trial: N/A
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