Conversion Disorder: What You Need to Know
An individual with conversion disorder may experience physical symptoms not explained by medical or neurological conditions. There is no control or way to make them go away, so they are real and involuntary. They affect your movement, vision, hearing, speech, or senses.
Causes of Conversion Disorder
The exact cause of conversion disorder is unknown, but it is believed to be related to psychological stress or trauma. Your brain may convert emotional distress into physical symptoms as a way of coping. These factors may increase your risk of developing conversion disorder:
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Having a history of emotional or physical abuse or neglect
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Having a neurological condition, such as epilepsy or migraines
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Having a mental health disorder, such as depression or anxiety
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Having a family member with conversion disorder
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Having difficulty expressing or regulating your emotions
Symptoms of Conversion Disorder
Some common symptoms of conversion disorder include: They can be triggered by stress or trauma, or they can occur without apparent reason. They can start suddenly and range in severity and duration.
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Weakness or paralysis of a limb or the entire body
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Tremors, spasms, or seizures
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Difficulty walking or balancing
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Numbness or loss of sensation in a part of the body
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Blindness or vision problems, such as double vision or tunnel vision
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Deafness or hearing problems, such as ringing in the ears or hearing voices
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Loss of speech or difficulty speaking, such as slurred speech or stuttering
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Difficulty swallowing or choking sensations
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Sensory distortions, such as feeling pain, burning, itching, or tingling in a part of the body
Diagnosis of Conversion Disorder
For the diagnosis of conversion disorder, your doctor will perform a physical and neurological examination to rule out any medical or neurological conditions. To check for any abnormalities in your brain or body, they may also order tests, such as blood tests, X-rays, CT scans, or EEGs.
As part of the diagnosis, your doctor will ask about your medical history, your mental health, and any stressful or traumatic events in your life. They may use a diagnostic manual, such as DSM-5, to determine if you meet the criteria for conversion disorder. These criteria include:
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Having at least one symptom that affects your voluntary motor or sensory function
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Having no medical or neurological explanation for your symptom
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Having significant distress or impairment in your daily functioning because of your symptom
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Having no evidence of deliberate faking or manipulation of your symptom
Treatment of Conversion Disorder
The type and duration of treatment for conversion disorder will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Some treatment options include:
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Medications: Your doctor may prescribe antidepressants or antipsychotics to help with any mood or anxiety disorders contributing to your conversion disorder, as well as to help reduce certain physical symptoms, such as pain.
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Psychotherapy: This is a form of counseling that helps you explore and understand your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. It may also help you cope with stress, trauma, or conflict. Depending on your needs, you may prefer cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, or family therapy.
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It involves exercises, stretches, massage, or electrical stimulation to strengthen your muscles and nerves. It can help you improve your physical function and mobility. In addition, it can help you prevent or reduce complications related to your conversion disorder, such as muscle stiffness or weakness.
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Occupational therapy: This is a type of rehabilitation that helps you perform your daily activities, such as dressing, eating, or working. You may be taught new skills, strategies, or adaptations to overcome your physical limitations, as well as regain your sense of independence and confidence.
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Using suggestion and relaxation, hypnosis alters your state of consciousness. By using it, you may be able to access and resolve subconscious conflicts and memories that may be causing your conversion disorder. Additionally, it may reduce or control your physical symptoms.
Prevention of Conversion Disorder
There is no sure way to prevent conversion disorder, but there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk or recurrence of it. These include:
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Seeking professional help for any mental or emotional problems, such as depression, anxiety, or trauma
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Maintaining a healthy balance between your work and personal life
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Developing and maintaining positive and supportive relationships with your family and friends
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Practicing stress management techniques, such as meditation, breathing exercises, or physical activity
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Seeking regular medical check-ups and following your doctor's advice
