Knowledge of conversion disorder by primary care physician

Abstract

Introduction

Primary care physicians tend to examine patients with conversion disorder (CD) first. A good knowledge of this disorder will allow an early diagnosis and avoid unnecessary investigations for the patient.

Objectives

To assess the knowledge of primary care physicians about patients with CD.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional and descriptive study among 90 primary care physicians in Sfax (Tunisia). We used an anonymous self-questionnaire for data collection.

Results

The response rate to our questionnaire was 60%. The participants’ age ranged from 25 to 70 years, with a median of 41 years. The sex ratio (M/F) was 0.92. The majority of physicians (75.9%) have practiced in the public sector. Among the respondents, 75.9% had theoretical training in CD, 14.8% had continuing medical education (CME), and 42.6% had hospital experience in a psychiatric department. The overall proportion of correct answers was 71.8%. The most recognised symptoms of CD were: dysphonia-aphonia, paresthesia or paresis. All doctors mentioned at least one criterion to distinguish CD from epileptic seizures and loss of consciousness.

Conclusions

There are some gaps in primary care physicians’ knowledge of CD. Thus, we propose to reconsider the conduct of CME, to favour small group training workshops with role-playing and to improve the collaboration between the psychiatrist and the primary care physician.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.