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Updated: Jun 13, 2026
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Published on: December 13, 2017
[Psychogenic tremor: a positive diagnosis]
L Redondo1, Y Morgado, E Durán
1Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Juan Ramón Jiménez, Huelva, España. lredondov@meditex.es
Neurologia (Barcelona, Spain)
|April 15, 2010
Summary
Psychogenic movement disorders, often tremors, are challenging to diagnose, leading to common misdiagnoses. Early and accurate identification by expert neurologists is crucial for effective patient treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
Context:
- Psychogenic movement disorders (PMDs) present daily diagnostic challenges for neurologists.
- Misdiagnosis of PMDs can lead to significant patient harm and improper treatment.
- PMDs, particularly tremors, are common and frequently misdiagnosed.
Purpose:
- To emphasize the importance of careful diagnosis of psychogenic movement disorders.
- To differentiate PMDs from organic movement disorders.
- To highlight positive diagnostic signs and useful tests for PMDs.
Summary:
- Psychogenic movement disorders are often tremors and frequently misdiagnosed, requiring careful clinical consideration.
- While often termed 'psychogenic,' these disorders encompass somatoform, factitious, malingering, depression, anxiety, and personality disorders.
- Positive diagnostic signs include variability, bilateral onset, and specific muscle coactivation, supported by tests like accelerometry and EMG.
Impact:
- Accurate diagnosis by expert neurologists is essential to avoid negative patient consequences.
- Understanding the positive diagnostic signs aids in distinguishing PMDs from organic conditions.
- Close medical team-patient cooperation is vital for successful treatment of PMDs.
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