Cognitive Dysfunction in Patients with Conversion Disorder

Mohamed, Amira Ali; Darweesh, Alaa; Desoky, Tarek; Hefny, Mohamed Moslem

doi:10.21608/svuijm.2024.332980.2004

Cognitive Dysfunction in Patients with Conversion Disorder

Document Type : Original research articles

Authors

¹ Neuropsychiatry Department, Faculty of Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt.

² Psychiatry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.

10.21608/svuijm.2024.332980.2004

Abstract

Background: Conversion disorder is more common in females, rural, low-education, and low-socioeconomic areas and causes physical symptoms from mental stress. Neurological symptoms such as motor, sensory, cognitive difficulties, seizures, and disuse consequences are the presenting symptoms.
Objectives: To assess cognitive impairments in patients with Conversion Disorder, focusing on processing speed, attention, memory, executive function and visuospatial function.
Patients and methods: This cross-sectional study at Qena University Hospital included 70 patients, aged 18-60 with Conversion Disorder. Excluding those with other cognitive affecting conditions, assessments involved psychiatric history, physical, and neurological examination. Socioeconomic status was evaluated using Scale for Measuring Family Socioeconomic Status, covering education, occupation, and family aspects.
Cognitive functions were tested using the Trail Making Test (TMT-A and TMT-B) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale (MoCA).
Results: The majority of the patients were female (72.9%) with a mean age of 30.9±11.6 years and predominantly from rural areas (64.3%). A very poor socioeconomic status was reported in 40% of cases. Cognitive deficits were identified in the studied group using MoCA (75.7%), TMT-A (50%), and TMT-B (37.1%). Cognitive function showed significant associations with socioeconomic level (TMT-A, p<0.001) and low education (TMT-B, p=0.005). No significant demographic or clinical associations were observed, except for MoCA scores and illness type (p=0.023).
Conclusion: The study shows Conversion Disorder's cognitive deficiencies in attention, memory, and executive function. Higher disability was linked to poorer socioeconomic states. These findings emphasize the necessity for cognitive therapies.

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