RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Specialist inpatient treatment for severe motor conversion disorder: a retrospective comparative study
JF Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry
JO J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP 895
OP 900
DO 10.1136/jnnp-2013-305716
VO 85
IS 8
A1 Ruaidhri McCormack
A1 John Moriarty
A1 John D Mellers
A1 Paul Shotbolt
A1 Rosa Pastena
A1 Nadine Landes
A1 Laura Goldstein
A1 Simon Fleminger
A1 Anthony S David
YR 2014
UL http://jnnp.bmj.com/content/85/8/895.abstract
AB Background Gold standard protocols have yet to be established for the treatment of motor conversion disorder (MCD). There is limited evidence to support inpatient, multidisciplinary intervention in chronic, severe cases. Aims To evaluate the characteristics and outcomes of MCD patients admitted to a specialist neuropsychiatric inpatient unit. Methods All patients admitted to the Lishman Unit (years 2007–2011) with a diagnosis of MCD were included. Data relevant to characteristics and status with regard to mobility, activities of daily living (ADLs) and Modified Rankin Scale (MRS) score at admission and discharge were extracted. Results Thirty-three cases (78.8% female) were included; the median duration of illness was 48 months. In comparison with brain injury patients admitted to the same unit, more cases had histories of childhood sexual abuse (36.4%, n=12), premorbid non-dissociative mental illness (81.1%, n=27) and employment as a healthcare/social-care worker (45.5%, n=15). Cases showed significant improvements in MRS scores (p<0.001), mobility (p<0.001) and ADL (p=0.002) following inpatient treatment. Conclusions Patients with severe, long-standing MCD can achieve significant improvements in functioning after admission to a neuropsychiatry unit.