Conversion disorder: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 16:31, 16 February 2025

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

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

Paralysis or weakness
Seizures or convulsions
Abnormal gait or movement
Loss of sensation
Blindness or deafness
Difficulty swallowing or "lump in the throat"

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

Diagnosis

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

Treatment for conversion disorder typically involves a combination of:

Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Physical therapy to address physical symptoms
Medication to manage associated symptoms like anxiety or depression

Prognosis

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.

Related Pages

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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.
+== Conversion Disorder ==
-== Definition ==
+[[File:Conversion_Disorder_Image.jpg|thumb|right|Illustration depicting symptoms of conversion disorder]]
-[[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.
+'''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 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:
+The symptoms of conversion disorder can vary widely and may include:
-* [[Weakness]] or [[paralysis]]
+* [[Paralysis]] or weakness
-* Abnormal movement, such as tremors or difficulty walking
+* [[Seizures]] or convulsions
-* Loss of balance
+* Abnormal gait or movement
+* Loss of [[sensation]]
+* [[Blindness]] or [[deafness]]
 * Difficulty swallowing or "lump in the throat"
-* Seizures or convulsions
-* Loss of touch or pain sense
-* Blindness or other visual symptoms
-* Deafness or hearing problems
-== Causes ==
+These symptoms are not intentionally produced or feigned and are often triggered by psychological stress or trauma.
-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 for conversion disorder typically involves a combination of physical therapy, stress management techniques, and psychotherapy.
+Treatment for conversion disorder typically involves a combination of:
+* [[Psychotherapy]], such as [[cognitive behavioral therapy]] (CBT)
+* [[Physical therapy]] to address physical symptoms
+* [[Medication]] to manage associated symptoms like [[anxiety]] or [[depression]]
+== Prognosis ==
-== See also ==
+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.
-* [[Somatoform disorder]]
+== Related Pages ==
-* [[Mental health]]
-* [[Psychotherapy]]
-* [[Physical therapy]]
-== References ==
+* [[Somatic symptom disorder]]
+* [[Factitious disorder]]
+* [[Psychosomatic medicine]]
-{{reflist}}
+{{Mental health}}
-[[Category:Mental health]]
+[[Category:Neurological disorders]]
-[[Category:Psychiatry]]
+[[Category:Mental disorders]]
-[[Category:Neurology]]
-{{medicine-stub}}