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.
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 childpsychiatric treatment should be analysed prospectively.