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Related Experiment Videos

Somatization and conversion disorders: comorbidity and demographics at presentation.

K Tomasson1, D Kent, W Coryell

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City.

Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica
|September 1, 1991
PubMed
Summary

Somatization disorder and conversion disorder, though often linked, present differently. Somatization disorder typically begins before age 21 and is more common in women with a history of depression and suicide attempts.

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Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry and Psychology
  • Neuroscience
  • Medical Sociology

Background:

  • Somatization disorder and conversion disorder are diagnostic categories within the DSM-III and DSM-III-R.
  • Despite historical links, these disorders exhibit distinct clinical presentations and epidemiological features.
  • Understanding these differences is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To directly compare the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients diagnosed with somatization disorder versus conversion disorder.
  • To identify key differentiating factors between these two related somatic symptom disorders.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of medical records from a large medical center over a 2-year period.
  • Identification and analysis of 65 patients with somatization disorder and 51 patients with conversion disorder.

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  • Comparison of patient demographics, age at onset, and co-occurring psychiatric conditions.

    • Main Results:

    • Both disorders predominantly affect women (95% for somatization disorder, 78% for conversion disorder).
    • Age at onset differs significantly: somatization disorder typically begins before age 21, while conversion disorder onset occurs throughout the lifespan.
    • Somatization disorder patients showed a higher prevalence of comorbid depression, attempted suicide, panic disorder, and divorce.

    Conclusions:

    • Somatization disorder and conversion disorder are clinically distinguishable entities with unique epidemiological profiles.
    • The findings highlight the importance of considering age at onset and comorbid conditions in differentiating these disorders.
    • Further research is warranted to explore the underlying etiologies and optimize therapeutic interventions for each disorder.