Absence of psychiatric co-morbidity in patients with hemifacial spasm: A pilot study

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to determine the presence of anxiety, depression and obsessive compulsive symptoms among patients with hemifacial spasm.METHODOLOGY: Eighteen patients with hemifacial spasm who were seen at a private outpatient clinic were included in the study. Demographic data, duration and severity of illness and screening for the presence of anxiety, depression and obsessive-compulsive symptoms were described. Age and sex matched control group were subjected to the same evaluation.RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the levels of anxiety, depression and obsessive compulsive symptoms among patients with hemifacial spasm.CONCLUSION: Psychiatric symptoms are not more prominent in patients with hemifacial spasm.