Stereotypic Movement Disorder

Stereotypic movement disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder starts to develop in the early developmental period of life. This is a disorder with repetitive and purposeless movements. These are repetitive motor behaviors like shaking, hitting oneself or rocking. These purposeless repetitive movements involve using hands, arms and other body parts frequently. Some stereotypic movements are usually present in many children below the age of 3, but when they reach at the age of 3 they stop these movements when asked or when they choose to stop. While the children with stereotypic movement disorder are unable to stop these movements even when they are asked to do so. The children with this disorder cannot stop these purposeless movements by the force of their will but they are restricted to do these by sitting on their hands or wrapping their hands.

Diagnostic Criteria of Stereotypic Movement Disorder

The diagnostic criteria of stereotypic movement disorder according to DSM 5TR is mentioned here:

Diagnostic Criteria A.

The child during his or her early developmental stage of life shows repetitive, purposeless and seemingly driven movements. These include motor behaviors for example hand waving or hand shaking, self-biting, body rocking, and hitting his or her own body.

Diagnostic Criteria B.

These purposeless repetitive movements interfere the daily academic and social activities of the individual and also cause self-injury.

Diagnostic Criteria C.

The symptoms of stereotypic movement disorder starts to develop in early developmental age.

Diagnostic Criteria D

These repetitive stereotypic movements are not due to any other neurological condition or any other physiological effect.

Stereotypic movement disorder can be specified if:

It is with any self-injurious behavior (any repetitive movement that cause self-harm)

It is without self-injurious behavior

Severity levels of Stereotypic movements

Mild

These can be of mild severity if stereotypic symptoms can be easily suppressed by any distraction or sensory stimuli

Moderate

Stereotypic movements can be of moderate severity if its symptoms require some behavioral modifications and protective measures to suppress and distract.

Severe

Stereotypic movements can be of severe intensity if continuous monitoring is required to prevent any injury due to these movements.

Prevalence

Simple stereotypic movements are common in children from 5% to 19% like climbing or rocking.  Complex stereotypic movements which cause self-harm or injury are found from 3% to 4% in children.