Spasmodic torticollis - a multicentre study on behavioural aspects IV: psychopathology

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Psychiatry
• Psychosomatic Medicine

Background:

• Spasmodic torticollis (ST) is a movement disorder often associated with psychological distress.
• The General Symptom Index (GSI) from the Symptom Checklist 90 Revised (SCL-90-R) serves as a global measure of psychiatric symptom severity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of psychiatric symptoms in patients with spasmodic torticollis.
• To explore correlations between psychiatric symptomatology, illness severity, functional disability, psychosocial stress, and potential triggers in ST patients.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the General Symptom Index (GSI) of the Symptom Checklist 90 Revised (SCL-90-R) to assess psychiatric symptoms in ST patients.
• Compared patient scores to a normal control group and analyzed correlations with demographic, clinical, and psychosocial factors.

Main Results:

• 27% of ST patients exhibited GSI scores outside the normal range, with higher GSI linked to younger age, greater disability, and increased psychosocial stress.
• Elevated scores were noted in somatization, interpersonal sensitivity, and depression subscales, with 23% of patients showing abnormal depression scores.
• Psychiatric morbidity correlated significantly with neurological signs (TSUI-index, laterocollis) and a family history of mental disorder. Over 50% of patients reported stressful life events as illness triggers.

Conclusions:

• Psychopathology in spasmodic torticollis is likely multifactorial, resulting from an interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors.
• The findings underscore the importance of addressing psychological distress and psychosocial stressors in the comprehensive management of ST.