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Astasia-abasia. A conversion reaction. Prognosis
G B Stickler1, A Cheung-Patton
1Department of Pediatrics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905.
Clinical Pediatrics
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Long-term follow-up of conversion disorder astasia-abasia in children and adolescents shows good health outcomes for most patients, with no major symptom substitution or missed organic diagnoses. Some patients experienced minor complaints or ongoing mental health issues.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric neurology
- Child and adolescent psychiatry
- Conversion disorder
Background:
- Astasia-abasia, a functional neurological disorder, presents as the inability to stand or walk.
- Conversion reactions are a common cause of pediatric functional neurological disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the long-term prognosis of children and adolescents diagnosed with astasia-abasia due to conversion disorder.
- To evaluate for symptom substitution, missed organic diagnoses, and overall health status in adulthood.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 27 pediatric patients diagnosed with astasia-abasia (conversion disorder) between 1965-1979.
- Follow-up via questionnaire or telephone interview for 26 patients (5-22 years post-diagnosis).
Main Results:
- 22 of 26 patients reported good health.
- Nine patients had minor residual complaints (e.g., leg weakness).
- No major symptom substitution or missed organic diagnoses were identified.
Conclusions:
- Astasia-abasia in childhood, when attributed to conversion disorder, generally has a favorable long-term prognosis.
- Most individuals achieve good health, with rare instances of persistent mental health issues or severe outcomes.
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