Psychogenic Movement Disorders

Psychogenic movement disorders are one of the most challenging conditions encountered by clinicians. Patients with these disorders represent the overlap of psychiatry and neurology and need care from these specialties. Issues within the patient's family, questions about secondary gain, and prejudices among other clinicians often complicate evaluation and treatment. Diagnosis is further complicated by lack of laboratory and other tests to reliably diagnose movement disorders; most movement disorders are diagnosed based on history and clinical phenomena. Treatment is best conducted within the context of a multidisciplinary team experienced in working with these patients and with one another. Identification and treatment of underlying psychopathology, such as major depression or anxiety disorders, is also of great importance.