What Are The Characteristic Symptoms Of Conversion Disorder?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,
  • Loss of vision, double vision, sensitivity to light.
  • Limb weakness or paralysis.
  • Loss of voice, slurred or stuttered speech.
  • Trouble coordinating movements.
  • Memory issues, thinking problems.
  • Headaches, migraines.
  • Loss of sense of smell.
  • Chronic pain.

What is an example of conversion disorder?

Common examples of conversion symptoms include

blindness, diplopia, paralysis, dystonia

, psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES), anesthesia, aphonia, amnesia, dementia, unresponsiveness, swallowing difficulties, motor tics, hallucinations, pseudocyesis and difficulty walking.

What does conversion disorder look like?

Conversion disorder symptoms usually come on suddenly and look like

problems with your nervous system

(brain, spinal cord, or other nerves). They include: Movements that you can’t control. Tunnel vision or blindness.

What is common presentation of conversion disorder?

Common symptoms include

blindness, partial or total paralysis, inability to speak, deafness, numbness, difficulty swallowing, incontinence, balance problems, seizures, tremors, and difficulty walking

. These symptoms are attributed to conversion disorder when a medical explanation for the afflictions cannot be found.

Is pain a symptom of conversion disorder?

The symptoms are neurological in nature: Weakness or paralysis. Parathesias (i.e., numbness and/or tingling)

Pain

.

Is conversion disorder a mental illness?

Conversion disorder is a

mental condition

in which a person has blindness, paralysis, or other nervous system (neurologic) symptoms that cannot be explained by medical evaluation.

What is the best treatment for conversion disorder?

  • Psychological therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). …
  • Hypnosis.
  • Stress management training to make symptoms more manageable.
  • Physical therapy for weak limbs, walking problems, other movement problems.
  • Occupational therapy.
  • Speech therapy.

What is the hallmark of conversion disorder?

Conversion disorder (also known as functional neurological system disorder) is a condition in which a person experiences physical and sensory problems, such as paralysis,

numbness, blindness

, deafness or seizures, with no underlying neurologic pathology.

How long does a conversion disorder last?

Symptoms of conversion disorder usually last

for days to weeks and may suddenly go away

. Usually the symptom itself is not life-threatening, but complications of the symptoms or unnecessary medical tests can be debilitating.

Can a person recover from conversion disorder?

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.

What is the diagnostic criteria for conversion disorder?

To receive a diagnosis of conversion disorder, a

person must experience altered motor function or a change in their senses

. The symptoms cannot be attributed to any medical condition or other mental illness, and the symptoms must cause distress or impairment in a person’s work, relationships, or other areas of life.

Does conversion disorder qualify for disability?

Social Security Disability for Conversion Disorder

If the symptoms are severe enough, an

individual’s ability to work on a full-time basis may be compromised

. There are many factors that Social Security will look at when considering a claim involving conversion disorder.

Is hysteria a conversion disorder?

Conversion disorder, formerly called hysteria, a

type of mental disorder

in which a wide variety of sensory, motor, or psychic disturbances may occur. It is traditionally classified as one of the psychoneuroses and is not dependent upon any known organic or structural pathology.

How do you treat conversion disorder at home?

  1. treating any underlying mental health conditions, such as depression.
  2. cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
  3. psychotherapy.
  4. relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga.
  5. physical therapy.
  6. maintaining a healthy work and life balance.
  7. seeking additional support from friends, family, and the community.

What are signs of neurological problems?

  • Persistent or sudden onset of a headache.
  • A headache that changes or is different.
  • Loss of feeling or tingling.
  • Weakness or loss of muscle strength.
  • Loss of sight or double vision.
  • Memory loss.
  • Impaired mental ability.
  • Lack of coordination.

What is the difference between somatic symptom disorder and conversion disorder?

Unlike somatic symptom disorder, a person with

illness anxiety disorder generally does not experience symptoms

. Conversion disorder (functional neurological symptom disorer) is a condition in which the symptoms affect a person’s perception, sensation or movement with no evidence of a physical cause.

Carlos Perez
Author
Carlos Perez
Carlos Perez is an education expert and teacher with over 20 years of experience working with youth. He holds a degree in education and has taught in both public and private schools, as well as in community-based organizations. Carlos is passionate about empowering young people and helping them reach their full potential through education and mentorship.