The differentiation of vomiting/weight loss as a conversion disorder from anorexia nervosa.

The authors studied patients with weight loss and vomiting, distinguishing by means of objective criteria those who had what they feel is a conversion disorder from those with anorexia nervosa. The group of patients with conversion disorder were quite different from those with anorexia nervosa and could be considered as suffering from less pervasive psychological deficits. Medical and psychotherapeutic intervention must take into account the differences between these two groups for treatment to achieve maximal benefit.