Conversion Disorder

A conversion disorder is a rare mental disorder in which a person has physical symptoms that no medical condition can explain. The symptoms do not appear to be under the person's conscious control and they can cause significant distress. Examples of symptoms are a loss of muscle control, blindness, deafness and seizures.  People with conversion disorder have blindness, paralysis, or other nervous system symptoms that cannot be explained by medical examination.

Conversion disorder symptoms may occur because of a psychological conflict. Symptoms usually begin suddenly after a stressful experience. People are more at risk for a conversion disorder if they a very high percentage of people with conversion disorder have another psychiatric problem, such as generalized anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder or some form of depression. They also report a higher frequency of emotional or physical abuse during childhood.

The physical symptoms are thought to be an attempt to resolve the conflict the person feels inside.  A physical examination is needed to rule out physical causes for the symptoms. The affected body part or physical function will need physical or occupational therapy until the symptoms disappear. For example, paralyzed limbs must be exercised to prevent muscle weakness

Conversion disorder often appears after conflict or stress, though the person is not aware of this connection. The person believes the problem is physical. The name of the disorder comes from the idea that some sort of psychological distress is being converted into a physical symptom. Some experts believe that a conflict or painful thought is so unacceptable that it never reaches the person's awareness.

Conversion disorder is more common in women than in men. It occurs most frequently between adolescence and middle age. It appears more often in places where people know less about medicine and psychology, such as in underdeveloped countries.

A psychiatrist makes a diagnosis of conversion disorder based on the person's health history and a neurological examination. In the most obvious cases this diagnosis is made when the physical symptoms are not part of any known disorder of the nervous system. The doctor also tries to determine if any stress or conflict is at the root of the symptoms.

Conversion disorder can be very hard to detect, even with testing. There is no known way to prevent this disorder. Sometimes symptoms go away on their own after the stress has been reduced, conflict has been resolved and with the support of family. If the person experiences anxiety medication may help.

Psychotherapy can help to find the source of conflict or stress it may be possible to provide relief. With the help of psychotherapy, the person may learn to deal with the conflict and go forward with the new experience or avoid the stressor.

The outlook for conversion disorder varies. It depends on the nature of the stress and on the symptoms. Most symptoms of conversion disorder last a relatively short time. The more severe the symptoms, the faster they disappear.  The disorder may be seen as persistent and the person has trouble coping with stress and conflict and has a need for ongoing support.