CONVERSION DISORDER, SEXUAL ABUSE AND INTERPROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION- SOME LESSONS TO BE RE-LEARNED

We describe an adolescent boy who presented with physical symptoms, fo r which no organic cause could be found. He proved a challenge to medi cal management and we highlight the reluctance to consider making a di agnosis of conversion disorder. Significant medical contact since infa ncy, a history of sexual abuse, and current stressors are considered a s having contributed to his presentation. We discuss general issues in the management of conversion disorder and consider the risks of negle cting this diagnosis as technological advances are made and sophistica ted investigations are relied upon.