The relationship between psychosocial trauma type and conversion (functional neurological) disorder symptoms: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Psychosocial trauma was associated with developing conversion disorder (also known as functional neurological disorder) before Freud, though why a particular symptom should arise is unknown. We aimed to determine if there was a relationship between trauma type and symptom. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients attending Australia's first functional neurology clinic, including referral, clinic letters and a clinic questionnaire. RESULTS: There were 106 females, 43 males and five transgender patients. Sensory (51%), motor (47%) and seizures (39%) were the commonest functional symptoms. Most patients (92%) reported stressors associated with symptom onse..