Spasmodic torticollis and phobic neurosis

Psychopathology is reported to be common in patients with spasmodic torticollis (ST). We describe two ST patients with a coexisting phobic neurosis. In the first patient the phobic neurosis appeared independent of ST. In the second patient the phobia could be directly attributed to the development of essential tremor which may be an antecedent to the onset of ST. The two phobias were successfully eliminated with paradoxical intention. The elimination of the phobia had no effect on ST. Care should be taken in assuming that the presence of psychopathology is causally relevant to the development of ST.