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Serial sodium Amytal interviews in the clinical setting
S M Fackler1, T J Anfinson, J A Rand
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
Psychosomatics
|January 15, 1998
Summary
Serial sodium Amytal (amobarbital) interviews are a valuable clinical tool for diagnosing and treating conversion disorder. These interviews confirmed psychopathology and identified psychosocial stressors in patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
Background:
- Conversion disorder presents with diverse neurological symptoms.
- Diagnostic challenges in conversion disorder necessitate specialized interview techniques.
Observation:
- A retrospective chart review of 21 patients with suspected conversion disorder evaluated using sodium Amytal interviews was performed.
- Presenting symptoms included movement disorders, focal neurologic deficits, chronic pain, spells, and pseudoseizures.
Findings:
- Serial sodium Amytal interviews confirmed existing psychopathology and uncovered underlying psychosocial stressors in patients.
- In 2 of 21 cases, alternative agents were used after the initial Amytal interview.
Implications:
- The serial Amytal interview serves as a practical diagnostic and therapeutic intervention in clinical settings.
- This method aids in understanding the complex interplay of psychological factors in conversion disorder.