The role of emotion dysregulation in Conversion Disorder

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• The role of emotion regulation in Conversion Disorders (CD) remains underexplored.
• This study investigates emotional regulation differences between CD patients and controls.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare emotion regulation and clinical variables in CD patients versus healthy controls.
• To identify key emotional factors associated with Conversion Disorders.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 43 CD patients and 42 healthy controls.
• Utilized psychiatric interviews and six validated questionnaires assessing depression, anxiety, alexithymia, emotion dysregulation, affect intensity, and dissociation.

Main Results:

• CD patients scored significantly higher on all six questionnaires (p<0.001).
• Elevated negative reactivity and intensity were observed in CD patients (p<0.01).
• Anxiety, alexithymia, and emotion dysregulation were significant predictors (OR=5.85, 3.50, 3.23 respectively), with lack of emotional control and interference in goal-directed behaviors being particularly relevant.

Conclusions:

• Conversion Disorders are associated with notable emotional impairments compared to healthy individuals.
• Emotion dysregulation is a significant aspect of CD.
• Distinct emotional patterns may underlie different conversion manifestations.