Conversion disorder is a psychiatric condition that can cause physical symptoms that don't have a physical cause. The symptoms may seem like they're coming from a physical illness or injury. But they're actually caused by psychological factors.
The condition was once known as hysteria. It was used to explain away a wide variety of symptoms that couldn't be explained by a physical cause. Today, we understand that many of the symptoms once attributed to hysteria were actually the result of other mental health conditions.
Conversion disorder is now used to describe a much narrower range of symptoms. These symptoms must not be able to be explained by any physical cause. They must also be associated with psychological stress or trauma.
The most common symptom of conversion disorder is paralysis. This can affect any part of the body, including the face, limbs, and trunk. The paralysis may be partial or complete. It can come on suddenly or gradually. Other common symptoms include:
- loss of sensation in a part of the body - blindness - deafness - seizures - difficulty speaking
Conversion disorder is more common in women than men. It usually starts in young adulthood. The condition is often triggered by a stressful or traumatic event.
There is no specific treatment for conversion disorder. The focus is on managing the underlying psychological stress or trauma. This may involve therapy, medication, or both. With treatment, most people with conversion disorder improve.
What is the prognosis for conversion disorder?
The prognosis for conversion disorder is guarded. patients may experience complete recovery, partial recovery, or no improvement at all. The disorder can recur, either spontaneously or in response to stressful life events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is conversion disorder a neurological disorder?
There is no clear answer, as conversion disorder can refer to many different types of physical symptoms. While a neurological cause cannot be ruled out, it's more likely that the problem lies in the emotional realm.
What are the treatment options for conversion disorder?
There is not yet a definitive treatment plan for conversion disorder, though there are treatments that can help reduce symptoms. Psychotherapy, hypnosis, and stress management training may be useful in managing the disorder. Physical and occupational therapy may also be helpful in resolving symptoms. If an underlying psychological disorder is causing the conversion disorder, treatment for that disorder is often recommended as well.
Why is conversion disorder in the DSM-5?
There is currently no consensus about the cause of conversion disorder. Some experts believe that conversion disorder may be caused by a combination of genes and environment. Therefore, it was retained in DSM-5 as a functional neurological symptom disorder because some symptoms are associated with abnormalities in the underlying neurology.
When do conversion disorder symptoms start?
The symptoms of conversion disorder typically start shortly after the person experiences a stress or traumatic event.
What is the difference between conversion disorder and panic attacks?
Conversion disorder is an umbrella term that encompasses a variety of neurological symptoms, such as tremors and paresthesias, that can occur in both conversion disorder and panic attacks. In contrast, panic attacks are typically transient and acutely episodic with characteristic cardiorespiratory symptoms.
