Yearning for a brother: A unique sociocultural risk factor for conversion disorder among children

Abstract

Conversion disorder is a common problem, with varied presentation, with which children present to tertiary care centers in India. Currently, reports regarding psychogenic nonepileptic seizure (PNES) in children who face sociocultural stressors are lacking. The present case report shows how PNES can result from psychological distress caused by sociocultural factors, such as preference for male children and gender-based inequality. The case report underscores the need to promote more gender egalitarian attitudes to dispel deep-rooted cultural preferences for sons as these are related to perpetuating and precipitating stress and unhealthy behaviors among the female gender.

Keywords

• children
• conversion disorder
• gender-based inequality
• sociocultural