Beyond psychogenic paralysis, a severe mental disorder

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Published

2021-06-30

How to Cite

Goñi Navarro, A., Ruiz Lázaro, P., & Calvo Sárnago, A. (2021). Beyond psychogenic paralysis, a severe mental disorder. Revista De Psiquiatría Infanto-Juvenil, 38(2), 66–71. https://doi.org/10.31766/revpsij.v38n2a6

Issue

Vol. 38 No. 2 (2021): Abril-Junio

Section

Case reports
Crossref
Scopus
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Europe PMC

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31766/revpsij.v38n2a6

Keywords:

Psychogenic paralysis, anorexia nervosa, child psychiatry

Abstract

Case description: The objective of this study is to present a clinical case of a 17-year-old patient who is currently under follow-up at the hospital’s eating disorder unit, diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa. Her background is an admission to the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Hospitalization Unit of Clinical University Hospital in Zaragoza, after presenting a severe clinical picture of “complete paralysis of the lower extremities” and “refusal to eat solids and liquids” of probable conversion origin, which severely limited her daily life, and that was a challenge for medical care due to the high complexity and comorbidity of the diagnosis and treatment of conversion disorder in adolescents. The patient was finally able to walk and to do sports activities following psychopharmacological treatment, rehabilitation and cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy. Conclusions:  Conversion disorder in adolescents is a severe pathology that poses a challenge for medical care due to the high complexity and comorbidity of diagnosis and treatment. It is essential for a favorable evolution, early diagnosis and psychotherapeutic work with the patient and the family.

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References

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