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[Neurological conversion disorders in older children]
Y Keemink1, J P Koopman, R Vecht-van den Bergh
1Academisch Centrum Kinder- en Jeugdpsychiatrie Curium, Oegstgeest.
Background:
Conversion symptoms with a neurological character are not unusual in children. Little is known about prognosis. This study aimed to determine the outcome in a group of children with conversion.
Patients And Methods:
Over the period 1979-1989 35 children from 6 to 16 who met DSM-III-R criteria for conversion were selected from the case-records of the Child Neurology department of the University Hospital in Leiden. Case histories were analysed and 20 patients were interviewed at home and a standard questionnaire was used additionally.
Results:
Conversion symptoms disappeared with time in 15 patients. In comparison with the control group, patients with conversion scored higher on nervousness.
Conclusion:
Conversion disorder runs a favourable course. The place of child psychiatric treatment should be analysed prospectively.