Is there a place for placebo in management of psychogenic movement disorders?
- Author:
Erle C H LIM
1
;
Benjamin K C ONG
;
Raymond C S SEET
Author Information
- Publication Type:Case Reports
- MeSH: Adolescent; Blepharospasm; psychology; therapy; Female; Fraud; Humans; Placebo Effect; Placebos; therapeutic use
- From:Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore 2007;36(3):208-210
- CountrySingapore
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
INTRODUCTIONThe 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 PICTUREWe report a 17-year-old Chinese girl with psychogenic blepharospasm. Her parents refused psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy.
TREATMENT AND OUTCOMEPlacebo therapy (with parental consent) was prescribed with favourable results.
CONCLUSIONWe examine the ethical considerations for and against placebo therapy, and explore the role of placebo therapy in the management of psychogenic movement disorders.
