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Exploring the Neural Correlates of Cognitive Reappraisal in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Using Task-based Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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[Conversion disorder - review].

Olafur Arni Sveinsson1, Sigurjón B Stefánsson, Haukur Hjaltason

  • 1Taugalaekningadeild Landspítala, Stokkhólmi, Svíthjód. olafur.sveinsson@karolinska.se

Laeknabladid
|May 8, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Functional symptoms, often without a clear organic cause, affect many patients in primary care and neurology. This overview explores conversion disorder, a condition with neurological symptoms lacking a medical explanation.

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Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Psychiatry
  • Internal Medicine

Context:

  • Functional symptoms are common in primary care (up to 50%) and neurology clinics (about 33%).
  • These patients often experience prolonged suffering, undergo numerous tests, and receive treatments with limited success.
  • Medically unexplained disorders, including conversion disorder, are recognized in major diagnostic classifications like DSM-IV and ICD-10.

Purpose:

  • To provide an overview of conversion disorder.
  • To discuss current understanding of the etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of conversion disorder.

Summary:

  • Conversion disorder involves neurological symptoms (motor or sensory) without a demonstrable neurological cause.
  • It is a significant diagnostic challenge, often leading to extensive medical investigations and patient distress.
  • This review synthesizes current knowledge on the origins, identification, management, and expected outcomes of this condition.

Impact:

  • Highlights the prevalence and impact of functional neurological symptoms.
  • Emphasizes the need for better understanding and management of conversion disorder.
  • Aims to improve patient care by consolidating information on etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.