title: Outlining the psychopathology behind a case of conversion syndrome: Is a holistic approach beneficial?
abstract: Conversion disorder refers to a set of symptoms where no relevant organic cause is found. These include sensory/motor disturbances, and other neurological symptoms, such as pseudoseizures. Patients with this condition may, by having it, achieve a primary or secondary gain. The condition should be diagnosed when all the relevant investigations are inconclusive. In this case, we use the bio-psycho-social model for the interpretation and guidance of treatment. We also demonstrate how a holistic approach is beneficial when it comes to a multi-dimensional interpretation of such a case. This review outlines a case of a patient with several neurological and orthopedic problems who failed to improve with several treatment plans and surgical interventions. After several years of medical and surgical consultations, a thorough analysis by psychiatrists was made, resulting in a diagnosis of conversion syndrome. The patient gradually improved on psychiatric treatment, including psychotherapy, and with the necessary psychiatric follow-ups.
authors.affiliation: Mount Carmel Hospital, Attard, Malta.|Department of Psychiatry, University of Malta, Msida, Malta.
authors.forename: Francesca Falzon
authors.initials: FF
authors.lastname: Aquilina
authors.affiliation: Department of Health, Mater Dei General Hospital, University of Malta, Msida, Malta.
authors.forename: Daniel Vella
authors.initials: DV
authors.lastname: Fondacaro
mesh_terms: D003291:Conversion Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006694:Holistic Health; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Parkinson's disease; bio-psycho-social; conversion; conversion disorder; dissociation; holistic approach; primary gain; secondary gain