Psychogenic dystonia

Psychogenic dystonia has been a controversial diagnosis over the past century. While this entity does exist, it makes up the minority of cases of dystonia seen at specialized centres. The diagnosis of psychogenic dystonia must only be undertaken by a neurologist with considerable experience in the assessment and treatment of organic dystonia. Features in the history and physical examination will reveal both clinical inconsistencies and incongruities with organic dystonia that support a psychogenic cause for the patient's symptoms. Patients with psychogenic dystonia suffer from motor conversion disorder, and co-morbid depression, anxiety and disorders of personality are frequent. While there have been no neuroimaging studies to date in patients with psychogenic dystonia, imaging studies in patients with organic dystonia offer insights on how one might assess this problem using functional neuroimaging. Neurophysiologic studies in patients with organic forms of dystonia may also be employed to further distinguish psychogenic from organic dystonia when doubt exists. The prognosis of psychogenic dystonia is disappointing, with the majority of patients suffering significant long-term disability. Recommendations are given regarding disclosure of the diagnosis of psychogenic dystonia to the patient as well as appropriate treatment.