Psychogenic gait disorders

Psychogenic disorders of posture and gait are common and are the major manifestation in 8 to 10% of patients with psychogenic movement disorders. The colorful history of these disorders is reviewed. Anxiety and depression are the commonest psychological accompaniments of functional gait disorder in contemporary practice. The particular case of the cautious gait and its flip side, "fear of falling," are considered in more detail. Common presentations for somatoform disorders and malingering are also described. It is often possible to make this diagnosis based on recognition features and gait observation. Incongruous neurologic signs are commonly found, and several features are so typical as to be nearly diagnostic. Caveats and pitfalls in diagnosis based on observational features are noted. In particular, the cautious gait is often the presenting feature of an older patient with an organic balance impairment. An approach to the patient with psychogenic gait disorder is described. Although the nature of the problem is often quickly apparent in such patients, the optimal management is a challenge. Dramatic cures still occur, and some patients respond quickly to psychological management and rehabilitation therapies, but persistence for more than 6 to 12 months is frequently associated with an unfavorable prognosis and long-term disability. The outcome studies are reviewed.