Conversion disorder: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Conversion disorder is manifested by the symptoms or loss of certain functions that develop unconsciously and involuntarily and usually involve motor or sensory functions. The manifestation resembles neurological or other general medical conditions, but is rarely confirmed by known pathophysiological mechanisms or anatomical conductive pathways. The onset and persistence of conversion symptoms is usually associated with mental factors, such as stress. The diagnosis is based on anamnestic information after the elimination of somatic diseases. Treatment begins with the establishment of a stable, supportive relationship between the doctor and the patient; psychotherapy can help, like hypnosis or interview using medication.
Conversion disorder usually begins in adolescence or early adulthood, but can occur at any age. Somewhat more common among women. Isolated conversion symptoms may not completely correspond to the criteria of conversion disorder or somatization disorder.
[Symptoms of conversion disorder
Symptoms often develop suddenly, and their onset is usually associated with a stressful event. Symptoms are limited by the fact that an arbitrary motor or sensory function is disrupted, suggesting a neurologic or somatic disease (for example, a lack of coordination or balance, weakness or paralysis of the arm or leg, or loss of sensation in one part of the body). Such symptoms may include cramps, blindness, double vision, deafness, aphonia, difficulty swallowing, a feeling of lumps in the throat, a delay in urine.
Symptoms are severe enough, cause distress or disrupt functioning in social, professional and other important areas of life. The patient may have a single episode or sporadically recurring episodes; symptoms can become chronic. Usually episodes are short.
The diagnosis is established only after research and conducting surveys that exclude a physical illness that could fully explain the symptoms and their consequences.
Treatment of conversion disorder
Consistent, trusting and supportive relationships between the doctor and the patient are extremely necessary. After the physician removes the somatic disease and assures the patient that there is no data for the underlying underlying disease, the patient usually begins to feel better and the symptoms fade. When the appearance of symptoms was preceded by a psychotraumatic situation, psychotherapy could be effective.
Other treatment options are not very effective. Hypnotherapy, interviews with medications, behavior-modifying therapy, including relaxation training, can help.