Psychiatric Comorbidities and Familial Genetics in Children and Adolescents with Dissociative (Conversion) Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Study from Western Rajasthan.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69980/ajpr.v28i5.447Keywords:
Dissociative conversion disorder, adolescents, psychiatric comorbidity, family history, genetic predisposition, K-SADS-PL, FIGSAbstract
Background:
Dissociative (conversion) disorder (DCD) is a complex psychiatric condition characterized by disruptions in consciousness, identity, memory, or perception. It is commonly seen in children and adolescents in clinical settings, often accompanied by psychiatric comorbidities and influenced by familial psychiatric history. This study aimed to assess psychiatric comorbidities and genetic predispositions among pediatric DCD patients in Western Rajasthan.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted on 80 children and adolescents (ages 6–18) diagnosed with DCD at a tertiary care hospital in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, from July 2021 to July 2022. Psychiatric comorbidities were assessed using the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia – Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL). Family psychiatric history was evaluated through the Family Interview for Genetic Studies (FIGS). Statistical analyses included chi-square and Spearman correlation tests using SPSS-23.
Results:
The mean age was 14.21 years; 82.5% were female. Most belonged to lower socioeconomic status and nuclear families. Convulsion-type DCD was the most common presentation (48.8%). Psychiatric comorbidities were found in 71.2% of participants, with anxiety disorders (25%) being the most prevalent, followed by somatoform (18.8%) and depressive disorders (17.5%). A positive family history of psychiatric illness was found in 58.8% of patients, most commonly anxiety disorders (10%) and DCD (8.8%). A statistically significant association was found between psychiatric comorbidities and positive family psychiatric history (χ² = 18.246, p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
DCD in children and adolescents is frequently associated with psychiatric comorbidities and a family history of mental illness, suggesting both environmental and potential genetic contributions. Early identification and integrated family-based interventions are critical to improving outcomes.
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