Somatoform and dissociative disorders in children and adolescents: A comparative study

BACKGROUND: Somatoform and dissociative (conversion) disorders in adults have been reported to have a close relationship because of a diagnostic overlap and comparable aetiological models. The literature on these disorders in children and adolescents is scarce. AIM: The present study attempted to compare these two disorders in children and adolescents since antecedents of these disorders are said to be laid in childhood. METHODS: Case files of 118 patients (69 of somatoform disorders and 49 of dissociative disorders) were reviewed and the two groups were compared with respect to sociodemographic profile, clinical profile, neurotic traits, behavioural problems, temperament, intelligence and family dysfunction. RESULTS: Age at presentation and intelligence were significantly higher in those with somatoform disorders than in those with dissociative disorders. Patients with dissociative disorders had a significantly higher number of co-morbid somatoform symptoms. CONCLUSION: Somatoform and dissociative disorders are closely linked.