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The borderland between neurology and history. Conversion reactions
1Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada.
Neurologic Clinics
|May 1, 1995
Summary
The late 20th century saw a rise in conversion reactions due to evolving cultural views on illness and media influences on patient attributions. Clinicians must monitor these changes in illness presentation and patient beliefs.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Medical Sociology
Background:
- Functional illnesses and conversion reactions have seen evolving presentations.
- Cultural perceptions of legitimate organic disease influence illness attribution.
- Media plays a significant role in shaping patient understanding of illness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the factors contributing to the epidemic of conversion reactions.
- To examine the interplay between cultural shifts, media influence, and illness attribution.
- To inform clinicians about evolving illness presentations.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative analysis of cultural and media trends.
- Review of clinical case presentations.
- Examination of patient attribution patterns.
Main Results:
- Conversion reactions increased due to long-term cultural shifts regarding organic disease.
- Short-term media influences significantly impact how patients attribute their symptoms.
- Clinicians face challenges in differentiating genuine illness from culturally influenced presentations.
Conclusions:
- The rise in conversion reactions is multifactorial, involving deep-seated cultural changes and media-driven attributions.
- Awareness of these influences is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
- Clinicians need to critically assess patient attributions in the context of broader societal trends.