A STUDY OF SYMPTOMATOLOGY OF CONVERSION DISORDER IN PATIENTS REPORTING AT AYUB TEACHING HOSPITAL

Abstract

Background: The symptomatology of conversion disorder differs from population to population depending upon thelocal taboos and rituals. This study was carried out to look for the commonest presenting symptoms of conversiondisorder in the patients attending psychiatry unit of Ayub Teaching Hospital. No such study was done here in the past.Methods: 100 consecutive patients of either sex, presenting with Conversion disorder in the Psychiatry Departmentof Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad, were included in the study. The diagnosis was made observing criteria setby DSM-IV for diagnosis of conversion disorder. Results: 35 % patients reported with Pseudoseizures, 16 % withParalysis, 12 % with Tremor, 8 % with Aphonia, 6 % each with Gait disorders and Difficulty in swallowing, 5 % eachwith Mutism and Headache/Pain. 4 % with Blindness and 3 % with Anaesthesia. Conclusions: The results and theircomparison with contemporary studies reflect that presenting symptoms of conversion disorder are significantlydifferent from elsewhere.