[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.

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.