Incidence and 12-month outcome of non-transient childhood conversion disorder in the U.K. and Ireland.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about conversion disorder in childhood.

AIMS: To document clinical incidence, features, management and 12-month outcome of non-transient conversion disorder in under 16-year-olds in the U.K. and Ireland.

METHOD: Surveillance through the British Paediatric Surveillance Unit and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Surveillance System.

RESULTS: In total, 204 cases (age range 7-15 years) were reported, giving a 12-month incidence of 1.30/100 000 (95% CI 1.11-1.52). The most common symptoms were motor weakness and abnormal movements. Presentation with multiple symptoms was the norm. Antecedent stressors were reported for 80.8%, most commonly bullying in school. Most children required in-patient admission with frequent medical investigations. Follow-up at 12 months was available for 147 children, when all conversion disorder symptoms were reported as improved. Most families (91%) accepted a non-medical explanation of the symptoms either fully or partially.

CONCLUSIONS: Childhood conversion disorder represents an infrequent but significant clinical burden in the UK and Ireland.