Conversion symptoms: What can we learn from previous studies?

Abstract

Conversion symptoms are psychogenic disturbances of bodily function, usually produced by emotional stressors of which the patient is unaware. The psychodynamic concept is still strongly associated with conversion, although psychoanalytic assumptions do not always appear to be valid. Due to ill-defined terminology and differences in inclusion criteria, comparison of data in previous studies is extremely difficult, and it is unclear what relative contributions are made by a range of variables to its precipitation and the form it takes. This review attempts to summarize predisposing, precipitating, and maintaining factors of conversion symptoms and also speculates on possible etiologic factors and suggests fields for further research.

Conversion Disorder—DSM IV, Review of research, Somatoform disorders.