[Subgroups of torticollis spasmodicus from the psychosomatic viewpoint. Results of a cluster analysis of 144 cases. German Study Group of Dystonia Research].

The question of subgroups in idiopathic spasmodic torticollis, which has been discussed in earlier studies in order to define etiologically heterogeneous patient populations has lost some of its relevance since with the injection of botulinum toxin an effective treatment is available. However, psychosocial distress is linked with spasmodic torticollis in a substantial number of patients. In order to define criteria for psychosocial interventions in addition to the treatment with botulinum toxin, a cluster analysis was carried out to identify high-risk populations in terms of psychological and social distress. Five subgroups were defined on the basis of eight variables. Two of these five groups, one group with rotational torticollis and one with laterocollis, emerged as particularly distressed by their physical complaints, the effects of their illness on various areas of life and in terms of psychological functioning. The consistency of the subgroups was tested and statistically confirmed by analysis of variance. In a cross-validation 83.02% of the ungrouped cases were predicted correctly. The authors suggest that the evaluation of psychological and social aspects of the condition should be part of the neurological assessment in order to offer appropriate support to patients, who reveal a high degree of psychological distress.