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

ABSTRACT

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>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.</p><p><b>CLINICAL PICTURE</b>We report a 17-year-old Chinese girl with psychogenic blepharospasm. Her parents refused psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy.</p><p><b>TREATMENT AND OUTCOME</b>Placebo therapy (with parental consent) was prescribed with favourable results.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>We examine the ethical considerations for and against placebo therapy, and explore the role of placebo therapy in the management of psychogenic movement disorders.</p>