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Functional (psychogenic) movement disorders: merging mind and brain.

Mark J Edwards¹, Kailash P Bhatia

¹Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK.

The Lancet. Neurology

|February 21, 2012

Summary

Functional (psychogenic) movement disorders (FMD) are common in neurology clinics, presenting diagnostic and treatment challenges. Research highlights the importance of both physical and psychological factors in FMD, moving beyond historical trauma-focused theories.

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Area of Science:

Neurology
Psychiatry
Neuroscience

Background:

Functional (psychogenic) movement disorders (FMD) are a significant subset of functional neurological disorders.
These disorders constitute over 16% of neurology clinic referrals and pose considerable diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
Historical emphasis on emotional trauma as a cause lacks epidemiological support and complicates understanding.

Purpose of the Study:

To address the diagnostic and pathophysiological challenges in functional (psychogenic) movement disorders.
To explore the role of physical and psychological factors in FMD.
To update understanding of FMD beyond outdated etiological theories.

Main Methods:

Review of clinical signs and diagnostic investigations for FMD.
Analysis of modern pathophysiological research.
Examination of historical perspectives and epidemiological data.

Main Results:

Physical signs and specific investigations aid in the positive diagnosis of FMD.
Modern research increasingly recognizes the interplay of physical and psychological factors.
Epidemiological studies do not support emotional trauma as the sole or primary cause.

Conclusions:

Functional (psychogenic) movement disorders require a nuanced understanding that integrates physical and psychological elements.
Accurate diagnosis relies on careful clinical assessment and targeted investigations.
Ongoing research is refining the pathophysiological models for FMD.