Thirty cases of conversion disorder were reviewed retrospectively and compared to a matched group of cases which received a diagnosis of adjustment reaction. In comparison to the adjustment disorder cases, children with conversion disorders were more likely to be referred by physicians, more likely to complain of neurological symptoms, more likely to have been hospitalized, and to have experienced

sexually stressful events. A model of illness similar to that of the child was more often observed in family members of conversion cases. Children with conversion disorder were more likely to have exhibited academic difficulty and to have terminated therapy prematurely. Directions for future research and the utility and importance of positive criteria for making this diagnosis are discussed.