Conversion disorder: Difference between revisions

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'''Conversion disorder''', also known as '''functional neurological symptom disorder''', is a [[mental health]] condition where a person has physical symptoms that cannot be traced back to a medical condition, physical injury, or substance abuse. These symptoms are thought to be an attempt to resolve conflict or stress.
{{SI}}
 
{{Infobox medical condition
== Definition ==
| name                    = Conversion disorder
 
| image                  = [[File:Conversion_Disorder_Image.jpg|250px]]
[[Conversion disorder]] is a type of [[somatoform disorder]], a category of mental illnesses that cause bodily symptoms, including pain, that do not have a clear physical cause. The term "conversion" has its origins in [[Freud's]] theory that anxiety is "converted" into physical symptoms. Though this theory is no longer widely accepted, the term has stuck.
| alt                    =
 
| caption                =
| field                  = [[Psychiatry]]
| symptoms                = [[Neurological symptoms]] such as [[paralysis]], [[blindness]], or [[seizures]] without a neurological cause
| onset                  = Sudden
| duration                = Variable
| causes                  = [[Psychological stress]]
| risks                  = [[History of mental disorders]], [[stressful life events]]
| diagnosis              = Based on [[clinical assessment]] and exclusion of other conditions
| differential            = [[Neurological disorders]], [[factitious disorder]], [[malingering]]
| treatment              = [[Psychotherapy]], [[cognitive behavioral therapy]], [[physical therapy]]
| prognosis              = Variable; some recover fully, others may have persistent symptoms
| frequency              = Unknown, but more common in [[women]] and [[adolescents]]
}}
== Conversion Disorder ==
[[File:Conversion_Disorder_Image.jpg|thumb|left|Illustration depicting symptoms of conversion disorder]]
'''Conversion disorder''', also known as '''functional neurological symptom disorder''', is a mental health condition characterized by neurological symptoms that cannot be explained by medical or neurological conditions. These symptoms are real and can cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
== Symptoms ==
== Symptoms ==
 
The symptoms of conversion disorder can vary widely and may include:
Symptoms of conversion disorder can vary in severity and may come and go or be persistent. The physical symptoms are thought to be an attempt to resolve conflict or stress. Symptoms can occur in any part of the body and can include:
* [[Paralysis]] or weakness
 
* [[Seizures]] or convulsions
* [[Weakness]] or [[paralysis]]
* Abnormal gait or movement
* Abnormal movement, such as tremors or difficulty walking
* Loss of [[sensation]]
* Loss of balance
* [[Blindness]] or [[deafness]]
* Difficulty swallowing or "lump in the throat"
* Difficulty swallowing or "lump in the throat"
* Seizures or convulsions
These symptoms are not intentionally produced or feigned and are often triggered by psychological stress or trauma.
* Loss of touch or pain sense
* Blindness or other visual symptoms
* Deafness or hearing problems
 
== Causes ==
 
The exact cause of conversion disorder is unknown, but it is thought to be related to how the brain functions under stress. It may occur after a stressful event, trauma, or medical illness.  
 
== Diagnosis ==
== Diagnosis ==
 
The diagnosis of conversion disorder is primarily clinical and involves:
Diagnosis of conversion disorder involves ruling out other physical or mental illnesses and confirming that the symptoms are not intentionally produced or feigned.
* A thorough [[medical history]] and [[physical examination]]
 
* Exclusion of other medical or neurological conditions
* Identification of psychological factors associated with the onset or exacerbation of symptoms
== Treatment ==
== Treatment ==
 
Treatment for conversion disorder typically involves a combination of:
Treatment for conversion disorder typically involves a combination of physical therapy, stress management techniques, and psychotherapy.
* [[Psychotherapy]], such as [[cognitive behavioral therapy]] (CBT)
 
* [[Physical therapy]] to address physical symptoms
== See also ==
* [[Medication]] to manage associated symptoms like [[anxiety]] or [[depression]]
 
== Prognosis ==
* [[Somatoform disorder]]
The prognosis for conversion disorder varies. Some individuals may experience a complete resolution of symptoms, while others may have persistent or recurrent symptoms. Early intervention and treatment can improve outcomes.
* [[Mental health]]
== See Also ==
* [[Psychotherapy]]
* [[Somatic symptom disorder]]
* [[Physical therapy]]
* [[Factitious disorder]]
 
* [[Psychosomatic medicine]]
== References ==
{{Mental health}}
 
[[Category:Neurological disorders]]
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Mental disorders]]
 
[[Category:Mental health]]
[[Category:Psychiatry]]
[[Category:Neurology]]
{{medicine-stub}}

Latest revision as of 00:35, 6 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
Philadelphia medical weight loss and Philadelphia sleep clinics

Conversion disorder
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Neurological symptoms such as paralysis, blindness, or seizures without a neurological cause
Complications N/A
Onset Sudden
Duration Variable
Types N/A
Causes Psychological stress
Risks History of mental disorders, stressful life events
Diagnosis Based on clinical assessment and exclusion of other conditions
Differential diagnosis Neurological disorders, factitious disorder, malingering
Prevention N/A
Treatment Psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, physical therapy
Medication N/A
Prognosis Variable; some recover fully, others may have persistent symptoms
Frequency Unknown, but more common in women and adolescents
Deaths N/A


Conversion Disorder[edit]

Illustration depicting symptoms of conversion disorder

Conversion disorder, also known as functional neurological symptom disorder, is a mental health condition characterized by neurological symptoms that cannot be explained by medical or neurological conditions. These symptoms are real and can cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

Symptoms[edit]

The symptoms of conversion disorder can vary widely and may include:

These symptoms are not intentionally produced or feigned and are often triggered by psychological stress or trauma.

Diagnosis[edit]

The diagnosis of conversion disorder is primarily clinical and involves:

  • A thorough medical history and physical examination
  • Exclusion of other medical or neurological conditions
  • Identification of psychological factors associated with the onset or exacerbation of symptoms

Treatment[edit]

Treatment for conversion disorder typically involves a combination of:

Prognosis[edit]

The prognosis for conversion disorder varies. Some individuals may experience a complete resolution of symptoms, while others may have persistent or recurrent symptoms. Early intervention and treatment can improve outcomes.

See Also[edit]