You've probably seen young children, perhaps your own child, flailing their arms, shaking their heads, or rocking their bodies in the same way. Are these just playthings, or are they a sign of something we should be concerned about? Today we're going to talk about these repetitive movements, specifically a condition called Stereotypic Movement Disorder (SMD) . Don't worry, we'll talk about this in a simple way that you can understand.
What is `(Stereotypic Movement Disorder)`?
Simply put, Stereotypic Movement Disorder is a condition in which a child makes repetitive, repetitive movements without any clear purpose . Think head-banging, body-shaking, etc. These movements can interfere with a child's normal activities and can sometimes be harmful to the body.
According to the guidelines used by doctors to diagnose this condition, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), these movements are called "SMD" if they cannot be explained by another medical condition or medication.
This condition usually begins before the age of 3 , and can sometimes persist into adulthood.
What does `(Motor Stereotypies)` mean? Is this different from `(SMD)`?
Yes, there is a slight difference between the two. Before we get to `(SMD)`, let's understand what `(Motor Stereotypies)` means. `(Motor Stereotypies)` refers to those movements, that is, the symptoms. `(Stereotypic Movement Disorder)` refers to that condition, that is, the disease.
Doctors divide ``Motor Stereotypies`` into two types:
- Simple Motor Stereotypies: These are very common. They can be seen in young children as well as adults. For example, thumb sucking, leg tapping, hair twirling, and nail biting. These simple movements usually do not interfere with daily activities or cause significant distress. These are not only things we do when we are young, but sometimes even as we grow older.
- Complex Motor Stereotypies: These are complex, repetitive movements. For example, hand flapping, body rocking, and repetitive mouth and facial movements. These complex movements usually begin before the age of 3 , sometimes persist into adolescence, and may persist into adulthood. They can interfere with daily activities and can be physically damaging. These complex motor stereotypies are often seen in SMD.
Then, these two types of ``Motor Stereotypies'' are further divided into two types:
- Primary Motor Stereotypies: These occur without any underlying cause, that is, without another neurodevelopmental disorder.
- Secondary Motor Stereotypies: These occur as part of another medical condition. For example, a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or a developmental delay may develop these movements.
Simply put, if a child with `(ASD)` makes these kinds of movements, doctors consider it to be part of `(ASD)` itself. Some also call it `(stimming)`. To be called `(SMD)`, there cannot be any other clear cause (another medical condition) for these movements.
How common is Stereotypic Movement Disorder?
Researchers are unsure exactly how common SMD is, but it is generally considered a rare condition . However, there is some data on Motor Stereotypies.
Complex Motor Stereotypies are rare. Studies show that they affect between 3% and 4% of children. However, this number is higher in children with certain medical conditions. For example, 61% of children with developmental disabilities and 88% of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may have these complex movements.
However, simple motor stereotypies are very common. They can affect between 20% and 70% of normally developing children. This means that they are not as scary as you might think.
What are the symptoms of `(Stereotypic Movement Disorder)`?
A child with SMD may experience motor stereotypies that interfere with daily activities or cause physical harm. Some examples are:
- Hand flapping
- Body rocking
- Head banging
- Continuous finger or hand movement
- Making the same type of mouth and face movements (orofacial movements)
- Hitting yourself, picking at yourself, biting yourself.
- Severe nail biting
These behaviors are most common during times like these:
- When stress increases
- When anxiety comes
- When you are very happy (excitement)
- When you are very focused on something (focused concentration)
- When you feel bored `(boredom)`
However, if attention is diverted, these behaviors usually decrease or disappear.
Children with SMD often say that they feel happy and "okay" when they do these movements. This is different from a condition like Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). In OCD, the movements are done to distract themselves from disturbing thoughts. However, if you try to stop a child with SMD from doing these movements, they may become angry, frustrated, or frustrated .
What are the causes of `(Stereotypic Movement Disorder)`?
Researchers have not yet discovered the exact cause of Stereotypic Movement Disorder. These repetitive movements are not related to any other neurological disease or neurodevelopmental disorder.
But in general, researchers think that these ``Motor Stereotypies`` may be caused by a change in the balance of certain chemicals in the brain, which we call ``neurotransmitters``, for example ``dopamine``, ``acetylcholine`` and ``GABA`` .
There seems to be a genetic link to complex `(Motor Stereotypies)`. This means that a child with these movements is more likely to have a close family member (brother, sister, or parent) with the condition. However, no specific gene has been identified yet.
How to diagnose `(Stereotypic Movement Disorder)`?
For a doctor to diagnose your child with Stereotypic Movement Disorder (SMD), all of these conditions must be met :
- These repetitive movements should last at least four weeks .
- These movements must interfere with the child's social interactions, schoolwork, and daily activities, or the child must harm themselves.
- There can be no other medical reason for these movements.
First, your child's doctor will do a physical exam and ask you about your child's medical history. They will also ask about your child's symptoms, for example:
- When did this movement start?
- How often do these things happen?
- Are these increased due to certain situations or environments?
- How do these affect the child's daily activities?
It is also important to rule out other common conditions that can cause these complex motor stereotypies, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This may require a variety of evaluations and tests.
Your child's doctor may also recommend some tests, such as blood tests, to see if there is a physical cause for these movements.
What are the treatments for `(Stereotypic Movement Disorder)`?
Most of the time, no specific treatment is needed for Stereotypic Movement Disorder. However, if your child needs help reducing these movements, or if they are harming themselves because of these behaviors, a behavioral treatment called Habit Reversal Training (HRT) can be very effective. This can help reduce the intensity of the movements and the frequency with which they occur.
In the method called `(HRT)`, the child is trained to recognize the signs when these movements are about to begin and to perform other behaviors instead. The child learns to control his behavior using these techniques. In the classroom and at home, the child's teacher and you can stop these behaviors and distract the child as soon as you see them.
If your child is self-harming (for example, hitting their head or picking at themselves) because of these ``Motor Stereotypies'', special measures may need to be taken to protect them. This may include having them wear a ``helmet'' or wearing gloves to reduce picking. You can ask your child's doctor or an ``Occupational Therapist'' for advice on specific methods that are appropriate for your child's behavior.
Studies have shown that certain medications can help control complex motor stereotypies in children with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. However, there are no studies showing that these medications help with Stereotypic Movement Disorder.
If my child has `(Stereotypic Movement Disorder)`, what should I expect?
The behaviors of `(SMD)` can often continue into adolescence and adulthood. Remember, as long as the child is not harming themselves, these behaviors are not harmful. It may be that this is just their own way of dealing with the world. Yes, it may be different from others. But it is not 'wrong'.
If your child needs help with these movements, see their doctor or an occupational therapist. Giving your child some say in decisions about their care can help them feel in control of their body and can have a positive impact on their mental health.
What questions should I ask my child's doctor?
If your child has Stereotypic Movement Disorder, it may be helpful to ask the doctor questions like these:
- "Why, Doctor/Miss, does my child have this `(Stereotypic Movement Disorder)`?"
- "How can we know for sure that my child has this and not another disease?"
- "Are there any other symptoms I should be on the lookout for?"
- "How can I help my child with Stereotypic Movement Disorder?"
- "What kind of specialists can help my child?"
Can Stereotypic Movement Disorder be prevented?
Since the exact cause of Stereotypic Movement Disorder is not known, it cannot be prevented.
As a parent, it's normal to feel worried when you notice even the slightest change in your child's behavior. 'SMD' is basically just a way of classifying repetitive, purposeless movements like this. Your child may or may not need help with this. However, the most important thing is to support your child. You can also get help from your child's doctor. Don't be afraid to ask questions and share your thoughts. They are there to help you.
The most important things to remember (Take-Home Message)
Okay, so here are some of the most important things to keep in mind from what we've talked about:
- Stereotypic Movement Disorder (SMD) is a condition in which there are repetitive movements that are performed in the same way without a clear purpose.
- Not all of these movements are serious. Very simple ``motor stereotypies`` are common.
- If these movements interfere with the child's daily life, if they harm themselves, or if the child is suffering from this, seek medical advice.
- Behavioral therapies such as ``Habit Reversal Training (HRT)`` can help control this condition.
- The most important thing is to understand the child, give him love and support, and accept these movements as part of him.
If you have any further questions about this, don't hesitate to talk to your family doctor or a pediatrician.
` Stereotypic Movement Disorder, repetitive movements, motor stereotypies, autism, ASD, behavioral problems, child mental health, self-harm
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