2019/07/29 by Mary Ann Thenganatt, Joseph Jankovic · 1 citation
Medicine · Neuroscience · Psychology · #Psychosomatic Disorders and Their Treatments #Restless Legs Syndrome Research #Neurological and metabolic disorders #Psychogenic disease #Movement disorders #Movement (music) #Functional movement #Physical medicine and rehabilitation #Medicine #Neuroscience #Psychology #Psychiatry #Pathology #Physics
paper · doi:10.1212/con.0000000000000755
openalex publication_date 2019/07/29 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/15
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This article reviews a practical approach to psychogenic movement disorders to help neurologists identify and manage this complex group of disorders. RECENT FINDINGS: Psychogenic movement disorders, also referred to as functional movement disorders, describe a group of disorders that includes tremor, dystonia, myoclonus, parkinsonism, speech and gait disturbances, and other movement disorders that are incongruent with patterns of pathophysiologic (organic) disease. The diagnosis is based on positive clinical features that include variability, inconsistency, suggestibility, distractibility, suppressibility, and other supporting information. While psychogenic movement disorders are often associated with psychological and physical stressors, the underlying pathophysiology is not fully understood. Although insight-oriented behavioral and pharmacologic therapies are helpful, a multidisciplinary approach led by a neurologist, but also including psychiatrists and physical, occupational, and speech therapists, is needed for optimal outcomes. SUMMARY: The diagnosis of psychogenic movement disorders is based on clinical features identified on neurologic examination, and neurophysiologic and imaging studies can provide supporting information.