Search results
Jul 16, 2021 · Conversion disorder is a psychiatric condition in which a person develops physical symptoms that are not under voluntary control and are not explained by a...
- Conversion disorder can have many different presentations and symptoms. Motor symptoms include weakness or paralysis, abnormal movements such as tr...
- Conversion disorder is extremely rare, but also somewhat difficult to track. Persistent conversion symptoms may affect 2 to 5 out of 100,000 people...
- A case study of conversion disorder, according to one therapist, involved a young woman who was a Marine, following in the footsteps of her famil...
- Freud was strongly influenced by conversion disorder , believing that it represented an unconscious attempt to resolve psychological conflict....
- The onset of symptoms is usually sudden and can be associated with stress or a traumatic event. Stressful life events are often present in peop...
- Genetics and neurological disorders such as epilepsy are linked to conversion disorder. Life experiences including childhood abuse and neglect a...
- Conversion disorder can emerge any time, although some symptoms may be more common at certain times, such as motor symptoms in the 30s and non-epil...
- Conversion disorder often occurs alongside anxiety disorders, specifically panic disorder, and depression , according to the DSM-5. Personality...
- Confronting and overcoming functional neurological disorders can be difficult for patients, because physicians may make dismissive, condescending...
- Overview
- Symptoms
- Diagnosis
- Causes and Risk Factors
- Treatment
- Coping
Conversion disorder (also known as functional neurological symptom disorder) is a psychological condition that causes symptoms that appear to be neurological, such as paralysis, speech impairment, or tremors, but with no obvious or known organic causes. In the past, these events were often referred to as "hysterical blindness" or "hysterical paralysis."
Conversion disorder is a relatively rare mental illness, with 2 to 5 out of 100,000 people reporting symptoms per year. It is categorized as a type of somatic symptom disorder, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the leading diagnostic guide for the mental health profession.
Understanding the medical definition of conversion disorder is the first step toward getting help for yourself or someone you love.
What It's Actually Like to Have a Somatoform Disorder
There's typically a sudden onset of symptoms that affect voluntary motor or sensory function—and these symptoms can disappear just as suddenly, without any physiological reason.
The physical symptoms of conversion disorder are often described as your body's way of dealing with unresolved stress or unexpressed emotions that triggered the disorder. In other words, the physical symptoms distract the person from the emotional duress. Conversion disorder typically affects movement function as well as the senses.
Symptoms of conversion disorder can be about any neurological deficit imaginable, including:
•Abnormal walking or tremors
•Blindness or double vision
•Deafness or problems hearing
The DSM-5 offers several specific criteria for diagnosing conversion disorder, including:
•There must be at least one symptom of sensory or motor impairment.
•Symptoms are not caused by a neurological condition, physical disease, or substance use.
•Symptoms are associated with significant distress.
While exact causes are not well understood, research suggests that it could be caused by abnormal flow to certain areas of the brain.
Conversion disorder may also be a psychological reaction to a highly stressful event or emotional trauma. For example, a soldier who subconsciously wishes to avoid firing a gun may develop paralysis in their hand.
The disorder does not necessarily develop immediately following the trigger, so it's important to disclose recent and past stress when speaking to your therapist.
Other risk factors of conversion disorder include:
•Being female (Women have a higher risk of developing the disorder.)
•Being highly conscientious, hard-working, compulsive and a perfectionist
Conversation disorder is not a lifelong disorder. If you or someone you love is experiencing severe or lingering symptoms of conversion disorder, treatment may be required and will depend on your individual symptoms.
However, symptoms may improve on their own with time even without treatment, and most people do get better with time and reassurance.
In addition to treatment, adopting some healthy lifestyle changes can help ensure that you better manage any stress and anxiety causing your symptoms. This could include:
•Eating a balanced diet.
•Fostering positive relationships.
•Getting ample sleep.
Feb 16, 2024 · Frequently Asked Questions. Conversion disorder, also called functional neurological symptom disorder, is a psychiatric condition in which a person has neurological symptoms, like paralysis or blindness, with no physiological cause. People with conversion disorder are not faking their illness.
Jan 11, 2022 · Functional neurologic disorder — a newer and broader term that includes what some people call conversion disorder — features nervous system (neurological) symptoms that can't be explained by a neurological disease or other medical condition. However, the symptoms are real and cause significant distress or problems functioning.
Jan 11, 2018 · difficulty walking. slurred speech or loss of speaking ability. difficulty hearing or loss of hearing. double vision, blurred vision, or episodes of blindness. numbness or loss of the touch ...
- Bethany Cadman
Apr 16, 2024 · Conversion Disorder (also known as Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder or Functional Neurological Disorder [FND]) is a mental disorder characterized by neurologic symptoms (either motor or sensory) that is incompatible with any known neurologic disease.
People also ask
What is conversion disorder?
How common is conversion disorder?
Can a conversion disorder be diagnosed if the symptoms are not intentionally produced?
Feb 12, 2024 · Dissociative disorders and conversion disorder are both mental health conditions. While they are separate diagnoses, these conditions often occur together. Dissociative disorders cause a person to be disconnected from their thoughts, memories, consciousness, and identity. Conversion disorder, also known as functional neurological disorder or ...
