PSYCHOGENIC MOVEMENT DISORDERS
Abstract:
Psychogenic movement disorders represent a common pathology and each movement disorders may occur on a psychogenic background. These types of movements represent an important challenge in the neurological practice. Epidemiological data demonstrate a large frequency (between 2,6% and 25%) of the total of the involuntary movement disorders in specialized centres. Suggestive elements for these movements are emphasised from the historical, clinical and therapeutic point of view. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics and the comorbidities in psychogenic movement disorders. It is a prospective study comprising 16 patients with psychogenic movement disorders (PMD). We studied the clinical characteristics, the comorbidities and the general features suggesting the psychogenic nature of these cases. Out of a total number of 16 cases, 8 (50%) were with psychogenic tremor, 4 cases (25%) with gait disorders, 3 (18,75%) with dystonia and 1 case with psychogenic myoclonus (6,25%). We analysed each type of PMD and the therapeutic options. Psychogenic movement disorders could be treated in half of the cases, through a detailed dialogue with the patient and by psychotherapy, after a correct diagnosis which excluded an organic pathology.
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