Conversion “V” Profiles in Torticollis

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Jahanshahi, M.^{; ;} | Marsden, C.D.

Affiliations: MRC Human Movement and Balance Unit and Department of Clinical Neurology, Institute of Neurology, The National Hospital, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG

Note: [] This work was supported by a grant from the Medical Research Council.

Note: [] Correspondence and reprint requests to: M. Jahanshahi, above address

Abstract: The assumption that spasmodic torticollis represents a conversion reaction was examined by evaluating profiles of 61 patients on the hypochondriasis, depression, and hysteria scales of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory. Thirty-six per cent of the sample had normal profiles. A conversion “V” profile with scores above 70 was found in a minority (9%) of the patients. The profile of the majority of the group was characterized by the presence of mild depression. It was concluded that a personality profile suggestive of conversion reaction is not typical of patients with spasmodic torticollis.

DOI: 10.3233/BEN-1989-2403

Journal: Behavioural Neurology, vol. 2, no. 4, pp. 219-225, 1989