Narcosuggestion in chronic conversion symptoms using combined intravenous amobarbital and methylphenidate

Five patients with chronic conversion symptoms were treated with narcoanalysis and narcosuggestion using combined methylphenidate and amobarbital. The combination of methylphenidate and amobarbital proved useful because methylphenidate antagonized sedation and allowed optimal patient cooperation. In four cases recovery of neurological function was obtained in the first or second interview and subsequently improved with practice and positive feedback. In each instance recovery of neurological function during a narcoanalytic interview confirmed the diagnosis of a conversion reaction. The narcoanalytic interview also confirmed or uncovered important psychopathology and psychodynamics which permitted more accurate treatment of the underlying psychiatric disorders.