Three cases are presented which illustrate the possible difficulties in differentiating between the diagnoses of Guillain-Barre Syndrome and conversion disorder. Accepted criteria are specified for each condition, as well as some associated features often characteristic of similar cases. Supportive interdisciplinary treatment for Guillain-Barre Syndrome is reviewed, and an interdisciplinary multi-modal approach to treatment of conversion disorder is described.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
Creak M.Hysteria in childhood. Br J Child Dis1938 ; 35:85-95.
2.
Maloney M.Diagnosing hysterical conversion reactions in children. J Pediatr1980; 97:1016-20.
3.
Ad Hoc Committee, NINCDS. Criteria for diagnosis of Guillain Barre Syndrome. Ann Neurol1978 ; 3:566.
4.
Kennedy R., Danielson M., Mulder D., et al. Guillain-Barre Syndrome: a 42-year-old epidemiologic and clinical study. Mayo Clinic Proc1978; 53:93.
5.
American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Edition - Revised. APA, Washington, DC, 1987.
