Conversion disorder

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.

Definition

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.

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:

• Weakness or paralysis
• Abnormal movement, such as tremors or difficulty walking
• Loss of balance
• 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

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 of conversion disorder involves ruling out other physical or mental illnesses and confirming that the symptoms are not intentionally produced or feigned.

Treatment

Treatment for conversion disorder typically involves a combination of physical therapy, stress management techniques, and psychotherapy.

See also

• Somatoform disorder
• Mental health
• Psychotherapy
• Physical therapy