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Conversion Disorder

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Conversion Disorder

Definition

Conversion disorder is when stress causes problems with the nervous system. Treatment may help.

Causes

The exact cause of conversion disorder is not clear. It often happens after a stressful or traumatic event. Mental tension may lead to nervous system problems. One example of this a person who loses their voice because they are afraid to speak.

Risk Factors

This problem often starts in children aged 10 to 15 years. It may also start in older adults with severe health problems.

Other things that may raise the risk are:

  • Having mental health problems, such as such as depression or anxiety
  • A recent or past stressful or traumatic event
  • Having poor coping skills
  • Being abused as a child
  • Having other family members with similar symptoms, such as epilepsy

Symptoms

Symptoms vary. A person with conversion disorder may have:

  • Balance problems
  • A paralyzed arm or leg
  • Lost feeling in a part of the body
  • Problems seeing, hearing, speaking, or swallowing
  • No feelings of pain
  • Tingling or crawling feelings
  • Seizures
Nervous System.

An emotional event may trigger physical symptoms.

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Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. Tests will be done to rule out other problems. This may be enough to diagnose conversion disorder.

Tests may include:

  • Blood tests
  • ECG—to test heart activity
  • EEG—to test brain activity
  • Imaging tests, such as x-rays or brain scans

Psychological and nerve tests may also be done.

Treatment

Conversion disorder may go away on its own in some people.

Others may need therapy. One method is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It helps people learn to cope with stress.

Physical therapy may also be needed to build muscle strength and relearn daily tasks.

Prevention

There are no known guidelines to prevent conversion disorder.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Conversion disorder. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/conversion-disorder.
  • Functional neurological symptom disorder (conversion disorder). Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/psychiatric-disorders/somatic-symptom-and-related-disorders/functional-neurological-symptom-disorder?autoredirectid=19532.
  • Feinstein A. Conversion Disorder. Continuum (Minneap Minn). 2018;24(3, BEHAVIORAL NEUROLOGY AND PSYCHIATRY):861-872.
  • Functional neurological disorder. NORD—National Organization for Rare Disorders website. Available at: https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/fnd.

Contributors

  • Adrian Preda, MD
Last Updated:
2022-09-01

(C) Copyright 2022 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.