Functional symptoms are problems that happen in your body that don't have an obvious physical cause like a broken bone or a cut. They are usually caused by how your brain and body work together.
Our brains control everything we do, even our body's functions like our heartbeat, breathing and digestion. Sometimes, if we're feeling really stressed or anxious, our brain sends signals to our body to make us feel sick - this is a functional symptom.
Functional symptoms can feel very real and can affect things like your energy levels, sleep, and even your motivation to do things.
The good news is that functional symptoms are treatable! Your doctor can work with you to find ways to manage your symptoms so you can feel better and get back to doing the things you love. This might include things like exercise, relaxation techniques or talking to a therapist.
Remember, functional symptoms are just your body's way of telling you that you need to take care of yourself. If you're experiencing any strange symptoms or feel like something is wrong, speak to your doctor.