peaks in the third decade, and motor symptoms have their peak onset in the fourth decade.
The symptoms can be transient or persistent. The prognosis may be better in younger chil-
dren than in adolescents and adults.
Risk and Prognostic Factors 
Temperamental. Maladaptive personality traits ar e commonly associated with conver-
sion disorder.
Environmental. There may be a history of childhood  abuse and neglect. Stressful life
events are often, but not always, present. 
Genetic and physiological. The presence of neurological disease that causes similar symp-
toms is a risk factor (e.g., non-epileptic se izures are more common in patients who also
have epilepsy).
Course modifiers. Short duration of symptoms and acceptance of the diagnosis are pos-
itive prognostic factors. Mala daptive personality traits, the presence of comorbid physical
disease, and the receipt of disability bene fits may be negative prognostic factors.
Culture-Related Diagnostic Issues
Changes resembling conversion (and dissoci ative) symptoms are common in certain
culturally sanctioned rituals. If the sympto ms are fully explained within the particular
cultural context and do not result in clinically significant  distress or disability, then the di-
agnosis of conversion di sorder is not made. 
Gender-Related Diagnostic Issues
Conversion disorder is two to thre e times more common in females.