Psychogenic Dyspnea and Therapeutic Chest Radiograph

Abstract

Conversion disorders, the physical expression of unresolved psychological pain, can be associated with mourning. This case report is third in a series of articles by the authors on childhood mourning reflecting the effects of multiple losses (K. R. Kaufman & N. D. Kaufman, 2005; K. R. Kaufman & N. D. Kaufman, 2006). In this case report, perception of potential death (self or parent) after a motor vehicle accident precipitated psychogenic dyspnea. A “therapeutic” chest radiograph was an effective initial treatment. Rapid intervention with explanation of the functional nature of the conversion symptom, why this symptom developed, and how to address the underlying stresses in the future led to an excellent outcome. Psychosocial intervention should be included in the multidisciplinary approach toward the child with conversion disorder, be it in an ambulatory, ER, or inpatient setting. The clinician must remember that medically unexplained symptoms in childhood may represent a child's expression of mourning.

Notes

Presented in part at the 14th European Congress of Psychiatry Nice, France, March 4-8, 2006.