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This disorder occurs most often in people with Mental Retardation. The onset can be at any age, and often lasts for years. In order to make this diagnosis, other diagnoses that involve repetitive motor movements must be excluded; the most important exclusions are of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Tic Disorder. Many times the movements are self-injurious, as in head banging and biting the hands, arms, and shoulders. More retardation is associated with more self-injury. Victims may work out routines to prevent self-injurious behaviors--for example, keeping hands in pockets to prevent biting them. Other victims receive some protection from caretakers, for example, helmets to minimize the injuries from head-banging. The
behavior must last 4 weeks or longer and cause significant problems.
The best responses to Stereotypic Movement Disorder (SMD) are to
change the environment and seek help from a professional who has had
success in treating this disorder with behavioral techniques. The
Iowa
Clinic web site contains a little additional information on stereotypic
movement disorder, but clearly professional help should be sought as
soon as possible.
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