Are you curious about psychogenic tremors and what could be causing them? Read on! While studies have been done on this bizarre symptom of depression, PTSD, or other conditions, we still have a lot to learn. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing unwanted muscle movements.

What Are Psychogenic Tremors?

What Do Psychogenic Tremors Look Like?

Are Psychogenic Tremors Permanent?

How to Treat Psychogenic Tremors

Psychogenic tremors are one type of psychogenic movement disorder. Psychogenic movement disorders vary widely and cause different degrees of unwanted movement throughout the body.

Psychogenic tremors may vary in appearance, but typically start fast and end quickly. The best way to end a tremor is through distraction. This is the biggest difference between tremors and other conditions, like Parkinson’s disease.

Not all tremors are psychogenic tremors. Neurological disorders may causeessentialtremors. Thisvideoexplains the difference between Parkinson’s and essential tremors.

Here are somequick statisticsabout psychogenic tenors and PMDs:

Although psychogenic tremors are the most common type of PMD, there are other types that differ slightly. Each type of movement disorder causes different involuntary movements. If you are experiencing unwanted movements, but wouldn’t call them “tremors,” you may still be experiencing a PMD.

Psychogenic Dystonia

Psychogenic dystonia is a rather painful form of PMD, in which slow, involuntary muscle contractions force the body into strange positions or poses. Dystonia can also cause cramps or slow, rhythmic, twisting movements.

Up to 5%of all dystonia cases are considered psychogenic dystonia. If you are experiencing these strange cramps, be sure to rule out all other causes of dystonia.

Psychogenic Myoclonus

Tremors look slightly different than ticks or twitches, which are quick movements. If you are experiencing this type of rapid movement, you may be experiencing psychogenic myoclonus. This condition may be linked to PTSD, as it can “trigger” fight-or-flight mode in the body quite easily.

Psychogenic Parkinsonism

Psychogenic parkinsonismlooks very similar to Parkinson’s disease. A person may experience shaking in the dominant hand, voice tremors, and other speech issues. If a person is displaying these symptoms but does not appear to have Parkinson’s, medical professionals may administer aplacebomedication and treat the underlying causes of the disorder.

Psychogenic Gait Disturbances

PMDs don’t just affect the hands or upper body. A person may feel that they’re going to fall or experience involuntary buckling in the knees. These symptoms, which also include a loss of balance, may be due to psychogenic gait disturbances. Again, a doctor will need to rule out problems with the inner ear or the brain before diagnosing a patient with a PMD.

Tremors may last up to a few minutes at a time, and they may not always be visible to witnesses who aren’t paying attention.

Will You Always Have Psychogenic Tremors?

If you are experiencing tremors, talk to a doctor. Tremors may be psychogenic, but they could also be a sign of other physical health issues. Remember, psychogenic movement disorders are given this name because there are no other explanations for the movement. Before you speak to your doctor, rule outcauseslike:

Likely, if you are experiencing tremors, your doctor will send you to a neurologist before you receive a diagnosis. If you believe that your tremors are due to stress or mental health, look for ways to reduce stress as medical professionals reach your diagnosis.

Ways to Reduce Stress

Looking for ways to reduce stress and the resulting physical symptoms? You can make positive changes throughout your day, for free, right where you are!

Practice breathing, yoga, or meditation.Stress-relieving practices encourage you to take deep breaths and tell the body that you are safe. Even if yoga or meditation are not your preferred ways to relax, you can take some deep breaths to de-stress right now! Take a slow, deep breath while counting to five. Hold it for five, and then exhale slowly for a count of five. Hold it for five, and repeat. Try this 10 times in a row, with your eyes closed or focused on a certain point in the room. You’ll feel more relaxed!

Get some sleep.The more sleep you get, the more your body will prepare for tomorrow. The less sleep you get, the more stressed you will become. It’s simple. Go to sleep!

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Reference this article:Practical Psychology. (2022, October).Psychogenic Tremors (Anxiety).Retrieved from https://practicalpie.com/psychogenic-tremors/.Practical Psychology. (2022, October). Psychogenic Tremors (Anxiety). Retrieved from https://practicalpie.com/psychogenic-tremors/.Copy

Reference this article:

Practical Psychology. (2022, October).Psychogenic Tremors (Anxiety).Retrieved from https://practicalpie.com/psychogenic-tremors/.Practical Psychology. (2022, October). Psychogenic Tremors (Anxiety). Retrieved from https://practicalpie.com/psychogenic-tremors/.Copy

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