The Prevalence of Conversion Symptoms in Women From a General Turkish Population

Abstract

Background: Conversion symptoms have historically be seen to be related to dissociative disorders and early trauma. Objective: This study sought to determine the prevalence of conversion symptoms among women in the general Turkish population. Method: Participants (N = 628) were administered The Dissociative Disorders Interview Schedule, the Borderline Personality Disorder section of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R Personality Disorders, and the PTSD Module of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R; 48.7% of participants had a lifetime history of a conversion symptom. They reported various types of childhood abuse and neglect more frequently than nonconversion subjects. Results: Lifetime diagnosis of major depression, dissociative disorder, and childhood physical abuse predicted a conversion symptom. Effects of childhood neglect and emotional and sexual abuse among subjects with conversion symptoms were mediated by comorbid lifetime diagnosis of major depression and dissociative disorders. Conclusion: The authors suggest revisions to the DSM-V regarding conversion and somatization disorders.