Psychogenic Movement Disorder

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), psychogenic movement disorders (PMDs) also referred to as conversion disorders, are characterized by physical symptoms that are not triggered by a primary neurological or medical condition. The NINDS says fewer than 3 percent of patients who suffer from movement disorders are diagnosed with PMD. The symptoms associated with conversion disorders are temporary and usually dissipate without treatment.

Causes

• The Mayo Clinic says the uncontrollable symptoms of conversion disorder are usually the result of psychological stress. The physical response to PMD commonly interferes with your ability to walk, see, swallow or hear.

  The exact cause of conversion disorder is not known. The NINDS says PMD may be the result of faulty inhibitory circuits of motor control. The Mayo Clinic says it may be the brain's way of handling a perceived threat.

  Further studies on the mind-body connection may lead to greater insight into conversion disorders.

Risk Factors

• The NINDS says people who suffer from mental illness or have a medical issue are at a higher risk of PMD. Other risk factors include a recent traumatic event, a history of sexual or physical abuse and financial problems.

  Women are more likely to get conversion disorder than are men. Young adults and teenagers are prone to the condition.

Symptoms

• There are several possible symptoms associated with PMD. They include impaired vision or blindness and deafness, lack of coordination and leg or arm paralysis. Additional signs of conversion disorder are trouble swallowing or speaking and convulsions, seizures and hallucinations. In some instances people with PMD are unable to feel pain and may retain urine.

Diagnosis

• In order to be diagnosed with conversion disorder, you must meet the symptom criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). This manual is published by American Psychiatric Association. This includes at least one movement (body or senses) symptom that you are unable to control and that causes substantial stress or impairment.

  Your doctor may use X-rays or other imaging tests to rule possible medical conditions that may be causing your symptoms. They may include multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and epilepsy among others.

Treatment

• In most cases, the symptoms of PMD improve on their own without any treatment. If symptoms persist or go away only to return, you may benefit from counseling or possibly physical therapy if you have suffered from paralysis.

  Some patients may benefit from hypnosis in an effort to identify and work out psychological issues.

  In some cases, your doctor may prescribe a sedative (valium, xanax), anti-anxiety medication (atenolol/tenormin) or an antidepressant (fluoxetine/prozac).