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Associated psychopathology in conversion patients without organic disease
1Department of Psychiatry, Free University of Brussels.
Acta Psychiatrica Belgica
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Conversion symptoms often indicate underlying psychiatric conditions. This study found over 80% of patients with conversion symptoms without organic disease had a coexisting psychiatric disorder, suggesting conversion is a nonspecific symptom.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Neurology
- Psychosomatic Medicine
Background:
- Conversion symptoms are neurological manifestations without a clear organic cause.
- The relationship between conversion symptoms and psychiatric diagnoses requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of psychiatric diagnoses in patients presenting with conversion symptoms.
- To determine if conversion symptoms are associated with specific psychiatric conditions.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 100 consecutive patients diagnosed with conversion symptoms.
- Assessment for coexisting psychiatric disorders using established diagnostic criteria.
Main Results:
- Over 80% of patients with conversion symptoms had a coexisting psychiatric disorder.
- The most common psychiatric diagnoses included affective disorders, personality disorders, "neurotic" disorders, and substance abuse.
Conclusions:
- Conversion symptoms are frequently associated with underlying psychiatric disorders.
- Conversion should be viewed as a nonspecific symptom rather than indicative of a specific psychiatric illness.