Numerous studies suggest that dysfunctional basal ganglia-thalamo-cortical circuits are involved in both
movement disorders and psychiatric impairments. The current exploratory investigation explored
possible psychological differences, firstly between 24 healthy musicians (HM) and 24 musicians
diagnosed with focal dystonia (FDM) (Study I), and secondly among 35 FDM patients only (Study II).
Results revealed that FDM patients are six times more likely to exhibit elevated anxiety, perfectionistic
and stress characteristics than HM. These psychological conditions might contribute as aggravating risk
factors to the development of FDM. However, half of the FDM patients did not demonstrate any signs of
anxiety, perfectionism or stress. The findings point to the clear existence of two different psychological
profiles among FDM patients. We suggest that this psychological distinction might reflect two different
mal-adaptive processes mediated via different circuits of the cortico-basal ganglia-thalamicloops. The
new classification of FDM patients will contribute to the reinforcement of the diagnostic repertoire,
necessary for the selection of more specific treatment methods.