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Conversion disorder: difficulties in diagnosis using DSM-IV/ICD-10.
JPMA. the Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association
|January 5, 2002
Summary
Conversion disorder symptoms vary culturally, with unresponsiveness being common in Pakistan. Current diagnostic criteria may not fully apply to this region.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Cultural Psychiatry
- Neurology
Background:
- Conversion disorder exhibits diverse symptomatology across different cultures.
- Cultural variations can complicate diagnosis using standard classification systems like DSM-IV and ICD-10.
- Understanding regional differences is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the phenomenology of conversion disorder in Pakistan.
- To assess the relevance of current diagnostic criteria (DSM-IV, ICD-10) in the local context.
- To identify common symptoms of conversion disorder in the Asian subcontinent.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of inpatient records over 10 years at Aga Khan University.
- Collection of demographic data and assessment of conversion disorder symptoms.
- Phenomenological evaluation of the patient population.
Main Results:
- Unresponsiveness emerged as the most frequent symptom in the studied sample.
- The observed symptom profile did not precisely align with established DSM-IV/ICD-10 diagnostic criteria.
- Cultural specificities appear to influence the presentation of conversion disorder.
Conclusions:
- Current diagnostic criteria for conversion disorder in major classification systems show limited relevance to clinical practice in Pakistan.
- Adaptation of diagnostic criteria may be necessary for accurate assessment in the South Asian subcontinent.
- Further research is needed to refine diagnostic approaches for conversion disorder in diverse cultural settings.