A - 80 The Role of Adverse Childhood Events and Personality Traits Among Individuals with Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder (FND).

Abstract

There is an established link between early life trauma and avoidant and anxious attachment in patients with FND.1,2,3 These attachment styles are linked to histrionic (HPD), avoidant (APD), borderline (BPD), and dependent personality disorders (DPD)0.5 The current study seeks to explore the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and personality characteristics among individuals diagnosed with FND. A retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with FND who completed neuropsychological evaluation was conducted. The outcome measures include the Adverse Childhood Experiences Scale (ACES) and Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, 3rd Edition (MMPI-3). Composite scores for the ACES and BPD, HPD, APD, and DPD were obtained by calculating equally weighted sum of predetermined component scores on the MMPI-3 based on the DSM-5.6 Spearman correlations were calculated to determine the association between ACES and PD composites. Analysis was conducted with 21 patients, 86% were female, 71% identified as white, and mean sample age was 41.59years (SD = 12.48). 57.14% had elevated ACES score. Mean composite PD scores were BPD - 55.97 (SD = 7.58), HPD - 53.93 (SD = 9.17), APD - 59.26 (SD = 9.71), and DPD - 59.75 (SD = 10.80). The correlations were positive and statistically significant (p < =0.05) across all four PD for ACES Q1 (emotional abuse) and Q4 (unsupportive environment). The results highlight that the ACES can be beneficial in identifying patients with FND who may have, or are at risk, of developing PD. These results also provide targets for treatment including maladaptive attachment styles.