Outcome in conversion disorder: a follow up study

J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 1995 Jun;58(6):750-2. doi: 10.1136/jnnp.58.6.750.

Abstract

Fifty six patients who had been admitted with a conversion disorder other than pseudoseizures were interviewed; mostly by telephone. The median interval was 4.5 years. If a patient had improved during a stay in hospital the eventual outcome was good in 96%, against only 30% in the others (risk ratio 3.2 (95% CI 1.8-5.6)). Rapid improvement was, in turn, related to recent onset of the symptoms. Two patients (4%) subsequently developed an organic deficit that, in retrospect, might be related to the initial episode.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Conversion Disorder / physiopathology*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Prognosis