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Case study: negative reinforcement and behavioral management of conversion disorder
1Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. campojv@msx.upmc.edu
Summary
Behavioral interventions, specifically negative reinforcement, effectively treated a 12-year-old boy with conversion disorder. This approach rapidly resolved arm pain and immobility, reducing parental anxiety and unnecessary medical interventions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric neurology
- Behavioral psychology
Background:
- Conversion disorder lacks controlled trials for behavioral interventions.
- Pediatric conversion disorder often presents with functional neurological symptoms.
Observation:
- A 12-year-old boy experienced persistent right arm pain and immobility for 3 months.
- Symptoms were diagnosed as conversion disorder.
Findings:
- An outpatient behavioral intervention utilizing negative reinforcement led to rapid symptom resolution.
- The intervention emphasized assessment, diagnosis communication, psychoeducation, and rehabilitation.
Implications:
- Negative reinforcement may be a potent strategy for managing pediatric conversion disorder.
- This approach can decrease parental anxiety and avert superfluous medical evaluations and treatments.