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Published on: December 14, 2014
Is there a place for placebo in management of psychogenic movement disorders?
Erle C H Lim1, Benjamin K C Ong, Raymond C S Seet
1Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore. mdcelch@nus.edu.sg
Introduction:
The management of psychogenic movement disorders is fraught with difficulties. Empathy and a non-judgmental manner are essential in dealing with patients, and a neurobiological explanation of the symptoms may help to foster trust, acceptance, understanding and recovery.
Clinical Picture:
We report a 17-year-old Chinese girl with psychogenic blepharospasm. Her parents refused psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy.
Treatment And Outcome:
Placebo therapy (with parental consent) was prescribed with favourable results.
Conclusion:
We examine the ethical considerations for and against placebo therapy, and explore the role of placebo therapy in the management of psychogenic movement disorders.
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