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Hysteria not a figment of a patient's imagination, study suggests

Provided by: Canadian Press
Written by: JANE TAGUICANA

TORONTO (CP) - People who suffer from hysteria, a condition commonly dismissed as a figment of the imagination, may not be imagining their symptoms after all.

Researchers at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto say they can see evidence of the condition, also called sensory conversion disorder, on an MRI when certain stimuli are applied to the body. Those who suffer from the disorder typically experience numbness in their extremities along one side of their body.

The study, which appears in the December issue of the medical journal "Neurology," found that a part of the brain which normally responds to touch was inactive when the numb body part was stimulated - proof that the symptoms really exist.

Dr. Omar Ghaffar, a resident in psychiatry at Sunnybrook and the study's lead author, says the findings are good news for those who have long been told their condition was imaginary.

"This has important implications as it offers some solace to patients who've been told nothing is wrong with them, and it also helps physicians to conceptualize this disorder," Ghaffar says.

The study involved three patients, all of whom had been suffering from numbness in their left side that could not be explained or identified with standard neurological tests.

Researchers scanned their brains while doing touch-tests on their arms and feet, using two vibrating discs to stimulate both sides of the body while controlling for frequency and vibration.

No brain activity was registered when the numb areas were stimulated, while the opposite occurred when the stimulus was applied to the "normal" side of the body.

"The results of this research clearly indicate the need for more ongoing studies in the area," Ghaffar said.

"We are looking to confirm this evidence in larger studies in the future. In addition, further research is required to study the possible effects of attention and distraction on brain activity as well."

Daniel Goldreich, an associate professor in the department of psychology, neuroscience and behaviour at McMaster University in Hamilton, said Ghaffar's findings are sure to prompt additional research into sensory conversion disorder.

"Patients may feel vindicated that there is a detectable biological sign that correlates with the symptoms they are experiencing," Goldreich said.

"I do not think the study will lead immediately to any new treatments for the disorder, but over the longer term new treatments may emerge as a result of the understanding that comes from continuing research.

Source:
Mental Health
Medbroadcast.com
http://www.medbroadcast.com