Neural correlates of conversion disorder: overview and meta-analysis of
neuroimaging studies on motor conversion disorder
#MMPMID27283002
Boeckle M
; Liegl G
; Jank R
; Pieh C
BMC Psychiatry
2016[Jun]; 16
(?): 195
PMID27283002
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BACKGROUND: Conversion Disorders (CD) are prevalent functional disorders.
Although the pathogenesis is still not completely understood, an interaction of
genetic, neurobiological, and psychosocial factors is quite likely. The aim of
this study is to provide a systematic overview on imaging studies on CDs and
investigate neuronal areas involved in Motor Conversion Disorders (MCD). METHODS:
A systematic literature search was conducted on CD. Subsequently a meta-analysis
of functional neuroimaging studies on MCD was implemented using an Activation
Likelihood Estimation (ALE). We calculated differences between patients and
healthy controls as well as between affected versus unaffected sides in addition
to an overall analysis in order to identify neuronal areas related to MCD.
RESULTS: Patients with MCD differ from healthy controls in the amygdala, superior
temporal lobe, retrosplenial area, primary motor cortex, insula, red nucleus,
thalamus, anterior as well as dorsolateral prefrontal and frontal cortex. When
comparing affected versus unaffected sides, temporal cortex, dorsal anterior
cingulate cortex, supramarginal gyrus, dorsal temporal lobe, anterior insula,
primary somatosensory cortex, superior frontal gyrus and anterior prefrontal as
well as frontal cortex show significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: Neuronal areas
seem to be involved in the pathogenesis, maintenance or as a result of MCD. Areas
that are important for motor-planning, motor-selection or autonomic response seem
to be especially relevant. Our results support the emotional unawareness theory
but also underline the need of more support by conduction imaging studies on both
CD and MCD.
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