Is there a place for placebo in management of psychogenic movement disorders?
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. We report a 17-year-old Chinese girl with psychogenic blepharospasm. Her parents refused psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy. Placebo therapy (with parental consent) was prescribed with favourable results. We examine the ethical considerations for and against placebo therapy, and explore the role of placebo therapy in the management of psychogenic movement disorders.