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Gratification disorder ("infantile masturbation"): a review
A Nechay1, L M Ross, J B P Stephenson
1Neurology department, Paediatric Hospital No. 1, Kyiv, Ukraine.
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|February 24, 2004
Summary
Gratification disorder, or infantile masturbation, in young children is often misdiagnosed as epilepsy. Home video recordings are crucial for accurate diagnosis, preventing unnecessary treatments for this condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Childhood Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Background:
- Limited published data exists on gratification disorder, also known as infantile masturbation, in early childhood.
- This condition presents diagnostic challenges, particularly in differentiating it from epileptic seizures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize patients diagnosed with gratification disorder.
- To provide a comprehensive profile of this condition in early childhood.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case note review conducted at a pediatric neurology outpatient department.
- Analysis of patient data from 1972 to 2002.
Main Results:
- Thirty-one children were diagnosed with gratification disorder (20 females, 11 males).
- Median age at symptom onset was 10.5 months; median age at diagnosis was 24.5 months.
- Common behaviors included dystonic posturing, grunting, and rocking; home video was vital for diagnosis in 9 cases.
Conclusions:
- Gratification disorder should be considered in the differential diagnosis of epilepsy and other paroxysmal events in young children.
- Utilizing home video recordings can prevent unnecessary investigations and treatments for suspected paroxysmal events.
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