Clinical Characteristics and Risk Factors of Conversion Disorder: A Retrospective Study

Background: Conversion disorder in children often presents with neurological symptoms in the absence of an identifiable organic cause, leading to significant functional impairment and delayed referrals to psychiatric services. There is limited region-specific data describing the sociodemographic profile, clinical presentation, and psychosocial factors of pediatric patients with conversion disorder. The present study aimed to assess these factors in the pediatric patients with conversion disorder population attending a tertiary care hospital. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study conducted at a tertiary care hospital. The study included children and adolescents diagnosed with conversion disorder. Sociodemographic details, clinical presentation, psychosocial stressors, comorbid psychiatric and medical conditions, and treatment received were recorded from patients’ records. Results: A total of 114 children and adolescents were included. Most participants were aged 11–18 years (80.6%), and the majority (64.0%) were female. Seizure-like episodes were the most common presenting symptom (29.8%), followed by headache (26.3%) and fainting episodes (13.1%). Academic stress was the most frequently identified precipitating factor (26.3%), while no identifiable stressor was found in 50% of participants. Pharmacotherapy was used in 19.2% of participants. Conclusion: Conversion disorder in children and adolescents predominantly affects female adolescents and often presents with seizures. Academic stress is a frequent precipitating factor, though specific stressors are not always apparent. This highlights the importance of early recognition and psychoeducation.