Exploring Age Regression in Conversion Disorder: A Case Series from North India

Regression, as described by Sigmund Freud, is an unconscious defense mechanism where the ego reverts to an earlier developmental stage to cope with stress, frustration, or trauma.In children, regression is common and often signals distress, which can usually be resolved by addressing unmet needs.In adults, regression may occur at any age, triggered by feelings of insecurity, fear, or anger.It involves retreating to a time in life when stress was minimal, or support from a caregiver provided a sense of safety.Regression, particularly age regression, can be a clinical feature of dissociative/conversion disorders, including dissociative identity disorder.In this presentation, individuals may revert to earlier developmental stages, displaying behaviors or emotions consistent with a younger self.This is often a response to trauma, where a younger identity or state is accessed to manage stress or distressing memories.However, despite its prevalence, such presentations are frequently underreported or misdiagnosed as psychosis or personality disorders.This misdiagnosis underscores the need for a thorough assessment to differentiate dissociative symptoms from other psychiatric conditions.We report a series of four such cases from a tertiary care medical college and hospital in North India.All 4 patients were females from different age-groups but shared a similar cultural background.Two patients also presented with symptoms of dissociative motor disorder (conversion disorder) in the form of pseudo-seizures and exhibited regression following hospitalization.Over 6 months, they were treated with a combination of psychotherapy and pharmacological interventions, leading to favorable outcomes.