Treatment for Psychogenic Disorders

Study Summary

This study will examine whether biofeedback treatment is effective in lessening or stopping movement symptoms in people with psychogenic movement disorder. People with this condition have increased or decreased movements that are not under their control and are not associated with any know problem with the nervous system. Biofeedback is a type of therapy that uses electronic instruments to monitor breathing and heart rate. This treatment has been effective in patients with anxiety and panic attacks. People 18 years of age and older diagnosed with psychogenic movement disorder may be eligible for this study. Candidates are screened with a neurological history, physical examination and psychiatric evaluation. Participants come to the NIH Clinical Center for nine 1-hour test sessions over an 8-week period for the following procedures: Week 1 (two visits): * Patients' movements are videotaped while they sit, stand and walk. * Patients train on RESPeRATE device, a computerized musical biofeedback device to help slow theirs breathing rate. The device has three components: a computerized module, earphones, and a chest strap holding a breath sensor. The patients put the elastic strap around their chest, put on the earphones, and sit in a chair. The device monitors and analyzes their breathing to create a melody composed of two distinct tones - one for inhalation and one for exhalation. Patients are instructed to match their breathing to the tones, which gradually slow until they are breathing at a slower, therapeutic rate. * Patients' breathing is monitored and analyzed for information on breathing pattern and rate. * Patients complete questionnaires on level of relaxation before and after RESPeRATE training. * Patients take the RESPeRATE device home to use for two 10-minute practice sessions per day. They complete relaxation questionnaires before and after each session. Weeks 2-7: * Patients' progress is monitored and reviewed from the previous week * Patients' breat