Is there a place for placebo in management of psychogenic movement disorders?

INTRODUCTION

The management of psychogenic movement disorders is fraught with difficulties. Empathy and a non-judgmental manner are essential in dealing with patients, and a neurobiological explanation of the symptoms may help to foster trust, acceptance, understanding and recovery.

CLINICAL PICTURE: We report a 17-year-old Chinese girl with psychogenic blepharospasm. Her parents refused psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy.

TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Placebo therapy (with parental consent) was prescribed with favourable results.

CONCLUSION

We examine the ethical considerations for and against placebo therapy, and explore the role of placebo therapy in the management of psychogenic movement disorders.