Socio-demographics and Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Conversion Disorder

The study explored the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of patients diagnosed with conversion disorder, as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR, American Psychiatric Association, 2000). 47 diagnosed patients visiting Out-patient Clinic of Institute of Clinical Psychology, University of Karachi, Pakistan, during 2005-2006 were interviewed through a semi-structured Interview Form for Psychological Assessment designed by the Institute of Clinical Psychology, University of Karachi. Results indicate that mean age of the sample was 26.44 years; 76.59% being women; 59.57% were unmarried; 63.83% belonged to middle socioeconomic status. Majority of the patients had less than or up till I 0 years of schooling (61.70%); 51.06% had middle birth order; and 53.19% were living in nuclear family structure. Also, 46.8% experienced mixed symptoms whereas 23.4% experienced motor symptoms. The most common stressor identified was problem with primary support group (36.2%). Mean score on Global Assessment of Functioning was 56.