RISK FACTORS OF CONVERSION DISORDER IN DUHOK GOVERNORATE/ IRAQI KURDISTAN

Abstract

Background: Conversion disorder comprise neurologically unexplained symptoms with underlying psychiatric cause. The aim of the study was to assess the frequency and risk factors of Conversion disorder, its symptomatology and common stressors behind it. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study involving all patients who attended every another day of out-patient psychiatric consultation in Azadi Teaching Hospital in Duhok City, from July 2008 to July 2009, they were 637 patients. Clinical diagnostic criteria from Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders –IV (DSM-IV) were applied.Results: The frequency of Conversion disorder was 18.2 % (116 cases). It was more common among females (80.25%), youngest age group of 18-25 years (64.7%), primary educational level (36.2%) and housewives (42.2%) with statistically significant association. Although it was more common among married (52.7%) and in urban areas (56%) but no significant association was found. Unresponsiveness was the commonest presentation (49.1%), followed by pesudoseizure (21.6%), fainting (10.3%), and abnormal movements (8.6%).The commonest stressor was domestic conflict (27.6%) in which all exposed cases were females, followed by love affair (17.2%), and illness (13.8%) which was the commonest stressor among males. Conclusions: The frequency of Conversion disorder was high; risk factors included being a female, young, with low educational level and a housewife.