What is the underlying cause of conversion disorder?
Conversion disorder is thought to be caused by the body’s reaction to a stressful physical or emotional event. Some research has identified potential neurological changes that may be related to symptoms of the disorder.
What function is most affected by conversion disorder?
Trouble with senses of vision, hearing, smell, taste and touch are all possible with conversion disorder. Some examples include double or tunnel vision, hearing loss or numbness, and the inability to feel something touching your skin. Pain.
What is the hallmark of conversion disorder?
Signs and symptoms
Weakness or paralysis. Loss of balance or difficulty walking. Tremors or seizures. Vision problems, such as double vision or blindness. Hearing problems or deafness.
What is conversion disorder called now?
Functional neurologic disorder — a newer and broader term that includes what some people call conversion disorder — features nervous system (neurological) symptoms that can’t be explained by a neurological disease or other medical condition.
What is the best treatment for conversion disorder?
Psychotherapy. The cornerstone of treatment for conversion disorder is psychotherapy aimed at elucidating the emotional bases of symptoms. Psychotherapy can include individual or group therapy, behavioral therapy, hypnosis, biofeedback, and relaxation training.
Is conversion disorder considered a mental illness?
Conversion disorder is a mental condition in which a person has blindness, paralysis, or other nervous system (neurologic) symptoms that cannot be explained by medical evaluation.
Can a person recover from conversion disorder?
Prognosis. People affected by conversion disorder generally make a full recovery. Even without treatment, symptoms are generally short-term, usually lasting a few days to a few weeks, and often resolve themselves. However, without treatment, recurrences are common.
How long does a conversion disorder last?
In most patients, conversion disorder tends to be self-limiting. As high as 90-100 percent of symptoms resolve in several days to a month. While many individuals never experience another episode, up to 25 percent have further episodes during times of stress.
What is it like living with conversion disorder?
Conversion disorder is a rare disorder of the brain in which a psychological crisis converts into a physical problem. It can result in paralysis or blindness, among other symptoms. Experts say symptoms can vary in severity, and come and go or be persistent.
Is conversion disorder a mental illness?
Is there medication for conversion disorder?
Medication Summary
Medications that have been tried with success include tricyclic antidepressants, haloperidol, and also treatment with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Treatment of coexisting psychological or psychiatric disease is warranted.