Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 9, 2026

Dynamic Digital Biomarkers of Motor and Cognitive Function in Parkinson's Disease
10:28

Dynamic Digital Biomarkers of Motor and Cognitive Function in Parkinson's Disease

Published on: July 24, 2019

From psychogenic movement disorder to functional movement disorder: it's time to change the name

Mark J Edwards1, Jon Stone, Anthony E Lang

  • 1Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, University College London (UCL) Institute of Neurology, UCL, London, United Kingdom.

Movement Disorders : Official Journal of the Movement Disorder Society
|July 12, 2013
PubMed

Insights

The terms "psychogenic," "conversion," and "somatoform" symptoms are confusing. Researchers propose using the term "functional" to describe these symptoms, avoiding assumptions about their origin.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Psychiatry
  • Medical Terminology

Background:

  • Multiple terms like "psychogenic," "conversion," and "somatoform" are used for symptoms originating in the mind.
  • The term "psychogenic" implies a mental origin, which is not always supported by evidence.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To advocate for the discontinuation of terms like "psychogenic," "conversion," and "somatoform" symptoms.
  • To propose the adoption of the term "functional" as a broader, evidence-based descriptor.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and conceptual analysis of medical terminology.
  • Argumentation based on scientific evidence and avoidance of dualistic thinking.

Main Results:

  • Current terminology is often based on poorly defined etiologies.
  • The term "functional" offers a more neutral and scientifically sound alternative.

Conclusions:

  • Adopting the term "functional" is a scientifically driven change.
  • This shift aims to reduce confusion and avoid reinforcing outdated mind-body dualism.
Keywords:
conversion disorderfunctionalpsychogenic

More Related Videos

Handwriting Analysis Indicates Spontaneous Dyskinesias in Neuroleptic Naïve Adolescents at High Risk for Psychosis05:52

Handwriting Analysis Indicates Spontaneous Dyskinesias in Neuroleptic Naïve Adolescents at High Risk for Psychosis

Published on: November 21, 2013

Setup for the Quantitative Assessment of Motion and Muscle Activity During a Virtual Modified Box and Block Test04:06

Setup for the Quantitative Assessment of Motion and Muscle Activity During a Virtual Modified Box and Block Test

Published on: January 12, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Alterations in Muscle Tone ll01:12

Alterations in Muscle Tone ll

Alterations in muscle tone are common manifestations of neurological disorders and reflect dysfunction within different nervous system regions. Spasticity, paratonia, and dystonia represent distinct forms of hypertonia, each with unique mechanisms, clinical features, and diagnostic importance.CharacteristicsSpasticity happens from upper motor neuron lesions and is characterized by velocity-dependent resistance to passive movement. Clinical features include:Exaggerated deep tendon reflexesClonus...
Parkinson Disease l: Introduction01:24

Parkinson Disease l: Introduction

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects movement. It is characterized by motor symptoms such as resting tremors, muscle rigidity, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), and postural instability. Patients may notice hand tremors at rest, stiffness during movement, or a shuffling gait. In addition to motor features, non-motor symptoms include sleep disturbances, mood and behavioral changes, constipation, and cognitive impairment, all of which...
Parkinson's Disease: Overview01:15

Parkinson's Disease: Overview

Neurodegenerative disorders are progressive diseases that cause irreversible damage and loss to neurons in specific brain areas. Examples of these disorders include Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). These disorders share characteristics such as proteinopathies, selective neuronal vulnerability, and a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors. The primary therapeutic goal for these conditions is to...
Positive Symptoms of Schizophrenia: Hallucinations and Delusions01:30

Positive Symptoms of Schizophrenia: Hallucinations and Delusions

Schizophrenia is a complex mental health disorder that can manifest with various positive symptoms, including thought, movement, and behavior disorders. These symptoms significantly disrupt cognitive and motor functions, leading to profound effects on an individual's ability to engage with the world.
Thought Disorders
Disorganized and unusual thought processes mark thought disorders in schizophrenia. One key feature is disorganized speech, where an individual's conversation includes loosely...
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)01:27

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) serves as the primary classification system for mental health disorders, providing standardized diagnostic criteria for clinicians and researchers. First published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) in 1952, the DSM has undergone several revisions to reflect evolving psychiatric understanding. The fifth edition, DSM-5, released in 2013, introduced key updates that expanded diagnostic categories and modified diagnostic...
Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders01:20

Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders

Gastrointestinal or GI motility disorders are characterized by irregular gastrointestinal tract movements, disrupting food transit from the mouth to the anus. They are caused by damage or dysfunction in gut muscles or nerves. These disorders can cause symptoms such as severe constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and swallowing difficulties. Disorders can affect any segment of the GI tract and range widely in severity, from common conditions like GERD to life-threatening conditions like...