Management of children with non-organic (hysterical) disorders of motor function

Abstract

Five children aged between 10 and 13 years are discribed whose disorders of motor function were found to have a non-organic (hysterical) cause. In most cases extensive investigations had been made to establish an organic cause before the hysterical basis was diagnosed. The three essentials of management of such cases are to limit further investigations to the essential minimum, to institute quickly a programme of graduated physical rehabilitation, and to establish and treat the underlying psychological problems.