[Neurological conversion disorders in older children].
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.


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.


CONCLUSIONS
Conversion disorder runs a favourable course. The place of child psychiatric treatment should be analysed prospectively.
Academisch Centrum Kinder- en Jeugdpsychiatrie Curium, Oegstgeest.
Y
Y
Keemink
J P
JP
Koopman
R
R
Vecht-van den Bergh
O F
OF
Brouwer
A C
AC
Peters
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003291:Conversion Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D011581:Psychological Tests; D011594:Psychometrics; D012075:Remission, Spontaneous; D012647:Self-Assessment