What is Conversion Disorder?

Conversion disorder is a condition in which people experience symptoms affecting the nervous system that have no physical explanation. This may include symptoms such as:^[1]

• Weakness
• Movement problems, such as tremors or twitching
• Sensory issues, such as loss of sense of smell or touch
• Blackouts

Conversion episodes are nearly always triggered by an overwhelmingly stressful event, an emotional issue or a mental health disorder, such as depression. Although there may be no medical or physical cause found to explain the symptoms, they are real to the person who is experiencing them.

Conversion disorder is relatively common, with women more likely to experience the condition than men. It can affect people of any age, but tends to be more common between the ages of 20 and 50.

Symptoms of conversion disorder may be worrying to experience but they do not pose any long-term threat to health. Although symptoms will generally get better without treatment, they may recur if the underlying cause is not addressed. Treatment of the underlying cause makes recurrence less likely.

Conversion disorder symptoms

People with conversion disorder may experience symptoms such as:^[2][3][4]

• Blindness
• Double vision
• Weakness or paralysis
• Muscular spasms
• Seizures
• Loss of balance
• Trouble coordinating movements (ataxia)
• Numb skin or tingling limbs
• Loss of sensation in limbs
• Memory loss
• Unresponsiveness
• Deafness
• Difficulty swallowing
• Inability to speak (aphonia)
• Loss of sense of smell (anosmia)
• Motor tics
• Hallucinations
• False pregnancy

Symptoms may begin without warning and can be debilitating. Episodes are typically short in duration, usually lasting days or weeks, though this can vary from person to person.

Up to 25 percent of people with conversion disorder may experience a recurrence of symptoms or develop new symptoms in the future.^[5]

People experiencing possible symptoms of conversion disorder should consult a doctor.

Causes of conversion disorder

Conversion disorder is believed to be an expression of psychologically stressful experiences. While many people experience physical changes related to their mindset, such as a racing heart when feeling nervous, people with conversion disorder tend to experience more dramatic symptoms when faced with psychological and emotional stress.

Examples of such emotions causing physical symptoms in people experiencing conversion disorder include:

• A person suppressing anger and the desire to hit someone may experience numbness, tingling or paralysis of the arm
• A person with a past history of traumatic experiences may experience seizures and loss of consciousness, due to suppressing memories of their experience(s)

Conversion disorder is classified in the DSM-5 as a somatic symptom disorder, the symptoms of which were formerly known collectively as somatoform disorders.^[6]

Somatization is a process in which psychological distress is converted into physical symptoms. Although there may be no medical or physical cause found to explain them, the symptoms are real, and affected people are encouraged to seek medical attention.

Diagnosis of conversion disorder

Diagnosis is made by a doctor or psychiatrist based on the history of the affected person’s symptoms, as well as a discussion about their life and feelings. It can be difficult to diagnose conversion disorder, and multiple tests are often performed to exclude other causes of the symptoms. A diagnosis is usually reached by process of elimination.

Tests are likely to concentrate on possible other causes for the neurological symptoms. One sign that a person has conversion disorder may be that symptoms differ from those of neurologic conditions. Key indicators that a person may be affected by conversion disorder, rather than a neurologic condition include:^[3]

• The presence of physical symptoms that would need to involve multiple parts of the nervous system
• Assessment revealing that a person’s responses differ from those typically associated with neurologic conditions

When no physical cause can be found for the symptoms, and there is a known cause of stress, a diagnosis of conversion disorder may be reached. Physical symptoms must also cause significant distress and impact the person’s daily life in order for a diagnosis of conversion disorder to be made.^[7]

Conversion disorder treatment

Diagnosing conversion disorder and subsequently developing trusted relationships between health practitioners and the affected person is an important first step in treatment. That relationship can be used to begin education about the condition and counseling to address the cause of the stress.^[8]

Reassurance that symptoms are not caused by a serious underlying condition may also go some way to easing them. If the person with conversion disorder is also suffering from anxiety or depression, this can be addressed as part of the treatment and often helps to improve the symptoms.

Treatments that can be recommended for conversion disorder include:^[2][3]

• Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or counselling
• Hypnosis
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy

Practicing stress-relieving techniques, such as regular light exercise and enjoyable activities, such as gardening, can be helpful in preventing the symptoms of conversion disorder. It is also helpful to have a reliable source of emotional support during times of stress.

Conversion disorder prognosis

People affected by conversion disorder generally make a full recovery. Even without treatment, symptoms are generally short-term, usually lasting a few days to a few weeks, and often resolve themselves. However, without treatment, recurrences are common. Treatment can provide reassurance and support during times when symptoms occur, and may help to identify and address the underlying psychological cause for the condition.

FAQs for conversion disorder

Other names for conversion disorder

• Conversion neurosis
• Dissociative disorder
• Functional neurological disorder (FND)
• Functional movement disorder

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1. MedlinePlus. “Conversion disorder.” November 2016. Accessed May 11, 2018. ↩ ↩

2. Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center. “Conversion disorder.” August 2017. Accessed May 11, 2018. ↩ ↩ ↩

3. MSD Manual: Professional Version. “Conversion Disorder.” January 2018. Accessed May 11, 2018. ↩ ↩ ↩

4. Medscape. “Conversion Disorders.” November 2015. Accessed May 11, 2018. ↩

5. Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center. “Conversion disorder questions.” August 2017. Accessed May 11, 2018. ↩

6. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. Edited by American Psychiatric Association. ↩

7. Psychology Today. “Conversion Disorder.” March 2018. Accessed May 11, 2018. ↩

8. US National Library of Medicine. “Conversion disorders: psychiatric and psychotherapeutic aspects.” October 2014. Accessed May 11, 2018. ↩

9. NCBI. “Treatment and Outcome of Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures.” November, 2003. Accessed November 15, 2018. ↩

10. Epilepsy Society. “Non-Epileptic Seizures.” July, 2017. Accessed November 15, 2018. ↩

11. MedlinePlus. “Hallucinations.” March 26, 2018. Accessed November 15, 2018.
    [^12]; BMJ Best Practice. “Conversion and somatic symptom disorders.” December, 2018. Accessed January 10, 2018. ↩

**Q: What⁢ is Conversion Disorder?**



**A: Conversion Disorder** is a mental health condition in which ⁣a ‌person experiences physical‍ symptoms affecting their sensory or motor functions,⁤ which cannot be fully explained by any organic⁣ or neurological⁢ cause. These ‌symptoms may mimic neurological or other ‍medical conditions ‌but cannot be attributed to ⁢a physical‍ illness or injury.



Instead, these symptoms are thought⁢ to‍ be triggered by psychological⁣ stressors or emotional disturbances unconscious to the individual. They may represent symbolic expressions of the underlying psychological conflicts⁢ or stressors.



**Q: What are the Symptoms of Conversion Disorder?**



**A:** Symptoms of ⁣Conversion⁢ Disorder ⁣may involve:



* Sensory‌ impairments (e.g., blindness, deafness)

*‍ Motor impairments (e.g., ​paralysis, tremors,⁤ gait disturbances)

* Speech problems ⁣(e.g., aphonia, dysphonia)

* Cognitive difficulties (e.g.,⁣ memory lapses, ⁣confusion)

* Seizures without epileptic activity



**Q: What Causes Conversion Disorder?**



**A:** The exact cause ‌of ⁣Conversion Disorder is unknown, but several factors are believed to contribute, ⁣including:



* Psychological stressors or emotional‍ trauma

* Repressed or ‍unconscious conflicts

* Learned patterns of behavior

* Cultural⁣ or social factors



**Q:⁢ How is Conversion Disorder‍ Diagnosed?**



**A:** Diagnosis of Conversion Disorder requires a ⁤medical evaluation to⁣ rule out underlying physical or ⁤neurological causes. Psychological testing ​and interviews may be used to assess mental health and identify underlying psychological factors.



**Q: ‍How‍ is Conversion⁣ Disorder Treated?**



**A:** Treatment focuses on resolving the underlying psychological issues causing the symptoms. This may include:



* **Psychotherapy:** Techniques like talk therapy, ‌cognitive-behavioral therapy, or psychodynamic therapy aim to address unconscious ⁣conflicts ⁣and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

* **Medication:** Anxiolytics or antidepressants may be prescribed to manage anxiety or depression that may be ‌contributing to the symptoms.

* ‍**Rehabilitative Measures:** ⁢Physical or occupational therapy may help individuals regain function if their physical symptoms have caused ⁢impairment.



**Additional Information:**



Conversion Disorder can be a challenging condition, but with proper ⁤diagnosis and treatment,‍ many individuals can recover their ‍full physical ‍and psychological health. It is essential‌ to seek professional help promptly if you experience symptoms that ⁢may ⁢suggest Conversion Disorder. Remember that the condition‌ is not a sign of malingering or​ attention-seeking ‌but ⁢a⁣ legitimate mental health disorder.