Vitamin B12, Folate Levels and Somatoform Dissociation in Conversion Disorder

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the association of folate and vitamin B12 levels in patients with conversion disorder, and to illuminate the aetiology of conversion disorder by examining depression and somatoform dissociation. Method: The case-control study was conducted from March 2014 to May 2015 at the Medical Centre of Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, Turkey, and comprised patients diagnosed with conversion disorder and healthy controls. Blood samples were taken from both groups for vitamin B12 and folate levels. Data was collected using the Beck Depression Inventory and Somatoform Dissociation Scale. Data was analysed using SPSS 18. Results: Of the 100 subjects, 55(55%) were cases with a mean age of 27.05 +/- 9.04 years and 45(45%) were controls with a mean age of 26.56 +/- 5.96 years. The mean level of B12 was 283.93 +/- 122.96 in cases and 324.62 +/- 128.82 in controls (p=0.05). The mean level of folic acid was 5.47 +/- 1.84 in cases and 6.07 +/- 2.26 in controls (p>0.05). Conclusions: Physicians need to be vigilant about vitamin B12 levels in patients with conversion symptoms.