Main Navigation
What's Your Next Step?
Find a Doctor
Request a Doctor's Appointment
Subscribe to Our E-Newsletter
Learn More about Our Services
Conversion disorder
Definition
Conversion disorder is a condition in which a person has neurologic symptoms that cannot be explained.
Alternative Names
Hysterical neurosisCauses
Conversion disorder symptoms may occur because of emotional distress or psychological problems.
Symptoms usually begin suddenly after a stressful experience. People are more at risk for a conversion disorder if they also have an underlying medical illness, a dissociative disorder, or personality disorder.
Some doctors falsely believe that conversion disorder and similar disorders are not real conditions, and may tell patients that the problem is "all in your head." However, these conditions are real, cause distress, and cannot be turned on and off at will. Research on the mind-body connection may eventually increase understanding of these disorders.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a conversion disorder include the loss of one or more bodily functions, such as blindness, numbness, paralysis, or the inability to speak. Diagnostic testing does not find any physical cause for the symptoms.
Exams and Tests
Common signs of conversion disorder include:
- A debilitating symptom that begins suddenly
- A history of a psychological problem that gets better after the symptom appears
- A lack of concern that is usually associated with a severe symptom
Your doctor will do a physical examination to rule out physical causes for the symptom. Diagnostic tests may help the doctor rule out a physical cause.
Treatment
Psychotherapy and stress management training may help reduce 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 wasting.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Symptoms usually last for days to weeks and may suddenly go away. Usually the symptom itself is not life threatening, but complications can be debilitating.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you or someone you know has symptoms of a conversion disorder.
References
Chew K. Conversion disorder. In: Ferri FF, ed. Ferri’s Clinical Advisor 2008: Instant Diagnosis and Treatment. 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby; 2008:223.
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Greg Juhn, MTPW, David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Paul Ballas, DO, Department of Psychiatry, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (11/15/2006).
