Mental health and behaviour in children with dystonia: Anxiety, challenging behaviour and the relationship to pain and self-esteem.

Abstract Purpose To ascertain whether young people with dystonia are more likely than the general population to have mental health and/or behavioural difficulties, and to explore factors that may contribute to these difficulties. Method Using a quasi-experimental design, 50 young people with dystonia aged 7–17 and their carers were recruited from the Evelina London Children's Hospital. Young people completed the Beck Youth Inventories and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Carers completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire-Parent version and the Paediatric Pain Profile. Important medical factors, such as age of onset, motor severity and manual function were obtained from medical records. Results One sample z tests showed young people with dystonia self-reported significantly higher levels of anxiety (p  Interpretation/conclusions Our study suggests high rates of anxiety and behaviours that challenge in children with dystonia. Screening in movement clinics would be helpful in early identification and signposting for support.