Conversion Disorder in Australian Pediatric Practice - 12/08/11
, KENNETH P. NUNN, F.R.A.N.Z.C.P., DONNA ROSE, M.A., ANNE MORRIS, F.R.A.C.P., ROBERT A. OUVRIER, M.D., JOHN VARGHESE, F.R.A.N.Z.C.P.ABSTRACT |
Objectives |
To describe the incidence and clinical features of children presenting to Australian child health specialists with conversion disorder.
Method |
Active, national surveillance of conversion disorder in children younger than 16 years of age during 2002 and 2003.
Results |
A total of 194 children were reported on. The average age was 11.8 years; 23% were younger than 10 years of age. Presentations were complex, with 55% presenting with multiple conversion symptoms. The most common presentations were disturbance of voluntary motor function (64%), sensory symptoms (24%), pseudoseizure (23%), and respiratory problems (14%). Hospital admission was required for 70%, with an average stay of 10.2 days. Antecedent stressors were also reported in 62% and a history of mental health concerns in 42%, with 14% of children taking psychotropic medications for comorbid anxiety or depression. The incidence of conversion disorder in Australian specialist child health practice is estimated to be between 2.3 and 4.2/100,000.
Conclusions |
Conversion disorder is associated with a significant burden for the child, family, and the health system. This study emphasizes the comorbidity with anxiety, depression, and symptoms of pain and fatigue. It also highlights the potential impact of “commonplace” stressors such as family conflict and children’s loss of attachment figures. J. Am. Acad. Child Adolesc. Psychiatry, 2007;46(1):68-75.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Key Words : conversion disorder, somatoform disorder, dissociative disorder, epidemiology
Plan
| The authors acknowledge the contribution of all child health specialists contributing to the surveillance of uncommon childhood diseases though the Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit and John Camilleri, Dr. Diane Gray, and Dr. Duc Van. Particular thanks go to Dr. Padraic Grattan-Smith for his many thoughtful comments. They gratefully acknowledge funding for this study from the NSW Centre for Mental Health, NSWHealth. Disclosure: The authors have no financial relationships to disclose. |
Vol 46 - N° 1
P. 68-75 - janvier 2007 Retour au numéro
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