Conversion disorder:Etiology

Etiology
Studies report that 64% of patients with conversion disorder show evidence of an organic brain disorder, compared with 5% of control subjects.

An earlier study revealed that a medical explanation eventually emerged from presenting chief complaints in only 7% of patients. Incidence of true neurological disease discovered at a latter date is extremely rare, largely due to advances in diagnostic testing. 

The Extent to Which Age and Life Experiences Influence Incidence
Conversion disorder may present at any age but is rare in children younger than 10 years or in persons older than 35 years. Some studies have reported another peak for patients aged 50-60 years.

In a University of Iowa study of 32 patients with conversion disorder, however, the mean age was 41 years with a range of 23-58 years.

In pediatric patients, incidence of conversion is increased after physical or sexual abuse. Incidence also increases in those children whose parents are either seriously ill or have chronic pain.