Clinical Characteristics and Demographic Correlates of Conversion Disorder in Pakistani Patients: A study from a Psychiatry Unit in PIMS Islamabad

Abstract

Background: Conversion disorder is a mental illness that presents with physical symptoms due to underlying emotional distress or conflict, commonly seen in adolescents and young adults, and often associated with other psychiatric disorders. These symptoms typically involve sensory or motor problems that resemble neurological disorders. The disorder is divided into subtypes and la belle indifference, a lack of concern about the symptoms, is a distinctive feature. Although the exact cause of conversion disorder is not fully understood, both psychological and biological factors are believed to contribute to its development. Aim: The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive overview of the clinical characteristics of patients with conversion disorder seeking treatment in Pakistan. The aim was to examine predominant clinical manifestations and to determine the impact of demographic variables. Methods: For this study, a sample of 30 diagnosed conversion disorder patients from the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences was selected using non-probability sampling. Inclusion criteria stated that the patients had a diagnosis of conversion disorder, were between 15 and 45 years of age and were receiving psychiatric treatment. Patients with medical conditions other than psychiatry were excluded. Data collection involved the use of a demographic information collection form and a symptom checklist. Statistical analysis consisted of calculating the frequency and percentage of symptoms experienced by the patients in the sample. Results: Among the patients, the majority were female (70%), unmarried (63.3%), and of low socioeconomic status (63.3%). The most frequently reported symptoms were unconsciousness (29%) and paralysis (26.4%). The duration of episodes varied from less than an hour to over 4 weeks, with the majority lasting between 1 and 24 hours (37.5%). Motor symptoms were mainly expressed as localized weakness or paralysis (13.3%), while sensory symptoms were commonly reported as headaches (16.7%). Conclusion: In summary, the analysis found that seizures were the most frequently reported subtype among the four conversion disorder subtypes. Seizures and convulsions were the predominant symptoms of conversion disorder with localized weakness and headache. Motor symptoms mainly took the form of localized weakness, while sensory symptoms often took the form of headaches.