Functional movement disorders

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Functional movement disorders (FMD) present diverse symptoms not explained by conventional neurological diseases.
• The DSM-5 criteria (2013) introduced incongruence and inconsistency as key diagnostic elements for FMD.
• Recent research emphasizes
• positive clinical signs
• for FMD diagnosis.

Observation:

• FMD diagnosis is shifting from a "rule-out" to a "rule-in" approach.
• Bedside clinical signs are crucial for identifying FMD.
• Commonly observed signs include tremor, dystonia, myoclonus, and parkinsonism.

Findings:

• Positive clinical signs enable a more direct diagnostic procedure for FMD.
• The review consolidates evidence on characteristic FMD presentations.
• Specific signs like tremor, dystonia, myoclonus, and parkinsonism are detailed.

Implications:

• Accurate diagnosis of FMD can be improved through recognizing specific clinical signs.
• This diagnostic shift may reduce misdiagnosis and improve patient management.
• Understanding these signs is vital for neurologists and mental health professionals treating FMD.