| Prevalence |
Persistent conversion disorder is very rare, with prevalence estimates from 0.001% to 0.005% in the general population and up to 5% of those who are referred to neurologists. |
| Comorbidity |
Studies have found that up to 85% of people with conversion disorder also have major depressive disorder (Roy, 1980; Ziegler et al., 1960); comorbid anxiety disorders are also common. Patients with conversion disorder may also have a neurological disorder, such as multiple sclerosis or a condition that produces seizures (Maldonado & Spiegel, 2001). A history of sexual or physical abuse is common among patients with conversion disorder (Bowman, 1993). |
| Onset |
This disorder can arise throughout life. Symptoms typically emerge suddenly after a significant stressor, such as the loss of a loved one, or a physical injury (Stone et al., 2009). For men, the disorder is most likely to develop in the context of the military or industrial accidents (American Psychiatric Association, 2000; Maldonado & Spiegel, 2001). |
| Course |
Symptoms typically last only a brief period of time. Between 25% and 67% of those with the disorder have a recurrence up to 4 years later (Maldonado & Spiegel, 2001). |
| Gender Differences |
Conversion disorder is two to three times more common among women than men. |
| Cultural Differences |
Conversion disorder is more common in rural populations, among those from lower SES backgrounds, and among those less knowledgeable about psychological and medical concepts. It is also more common in developing countries than in industrialized countries, and as a country becomes industrialized, the prevalence of conversion disorder decreases. Small “epidemics” of conversion disorder have been reported in countries undergoing cultural change or significant stress (Piñeros et al., 1998; Cassady et al., 2005). |
| Source: Unless otherwise noted, the source is American Psychiatric Association, 2000, 2013. |