Sociodemographic, clinical features, and comorbid disorders of children and adolescents with conversion disorder Konversi̇yon bozukluǧu tanisi konan çocuk ve ergenleri̇n sosyodemografi̇k, kli̇ni̇k özelli̇ kleri̇ ve eş tanilari
Yeni Symposium, cilt.48, sa.3, ss.184-190, 2010 (Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 48 Sayı: 3
- Basım Tarihi: 2010
- Dergi Adı: Yeni Symposium
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Scopus
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.184-190
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Child, Comorbid disorders, Conversion disorder
- Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt Üniversitesi Adresli: Hayır
Özet
Objective: The aim of this study is to present the sociodemographic features and comorbid disorders of children and adolescents with conversion disorder which referred from Trabzon and surrounding cities to Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department of Karadeniz Technical University Faculty of Medicine. Method: The hospital files and child and adolescent psychiatry department's personal files of the children who referred to department in two years between May 1st 2005 to April 30th 2007, younger than 16 years' age and had diagnosed conversion disorder examined retrospectively. Findings: A total of 90 children (33 boys and 57 girls) were diagnosed as conversion disorder. The average age was 11.65 years ±2.82. The aspects of conversion disorder were various, the most prevalent one was pseudoseizure (57.8%). Other conversion complaints were respiratory problems (27.8%), voluntary motor muscle dysfunction (23.3%), and sensory symptoms (11.1%). Most common complaints accompanied to conversion symptoms were pain (27.8%) and fatigue (%8.9). 55.6% of cases had the need of referral to emergency services because of the conversion symptoms. Hospital admissions were required for 14.4% of the cases. Antecedent stressors were also reported in 82.2%. In 77.8% of the cases, conversion disorder is accompanied with another psychiatric disorder. The most frequent comorbidities were anxiety disorder (50.0%) and depression (16.7%). Discussion: Presentations of children and adolescents are often complex, with multiple conversion symptoms and/or comorbid pain, fatigue, anxiety, and depression. Conversion disorder is associated with a significant burden for the child, family, and the health system. Conclusion: Conversion disorder is not a disorder by itself, but rather a part of other psychiatric disorders such as adjustment disorder, depression and separation anxiety disorder. Therefore, the assessment of comorbidity is important in achieving the most effective treatment for any patient with conversion disorder.