The question of symptom lateralization in conversion disorder

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not conversion symptoms are lateralized. Studies have shown a predominant left-oriented manifestation of symptoms for most somatoform disorders. The reports in the literature on the lateralization of conversion symptoms, however, are rather conflicting. They show left-sided, right-sided, or no symptom lateralization in conversion disorders. Methods: One hundred fourteen patients with conversion disorder were screened for symptom lateralization. Results: Those patients with unilateral symptoms (32.5%) showed no significant bias toward left or right symptom presentation. Conclusion: Based on these results, and the conflicting findings from previous studies, we conclude that there is insufficient support for lateralization theories in conversion disorder.