Conversion disorder

Conversion Disorder

Description of conversion disorder

Conversion disorder is a neurological / psychiatric disorder. It refers to a group of mental disorders, It called somatoform disorders.

Conversion disorder can be difficult to diagnose, but it is treatable.

Reasons for conversion disorder

The direct cause of conversion disorder, usually, It is a very stressful or traumatic events. The disorder may be a way to handle the situation, or as a psychological expression of the event. An example of this is a man, who loses his voice in a situation, when he is afraid to speak.

Risk factors for conversion disorder

Conversion disorder is more common in women and adolescents. Other factors, which may increase the likelihood of conversion disorder include:

• Presence of the past personality or psychological disease;
• Physical or sexual violence, especially in children;
• Economic difficulties, low socio-economic status;
• The presence of family members with conversion disorder or chronic illness;
• The presence of additional psychiatric disorders, such as depression or anxiety;
• The presence of personality disorders, such as theater, passive-dependent, or passive-aggressive personality disorder.

The symptoms of conversion disorder

It is important to understand, that the symptoms of conversion disorder are involuntary. The victim knowingly pretends and plays. The symptoms of conversion disorder are real, but do not have in common with any known medical diagnosis. Conversion disorder may cause the following problems:

• Impaired coordination and balance;
• The paralysis of the arms or legs;
• The loss of sensitivity in the body;
• The loss of one of the senses, such as blindness or deafness;
• Inability to speak;
• Difficulty swallowing or a sensation of a lump in the throat;
• Sensory symptoms, such as:
  • Loss of sense of pain;
  • Tingling or Formication;
• Convulsions.

For the diagnosis of conversion disorder must have at least one symptom, but there may be many. The appearance of symptoms associated with stressful events and typically occur suddenly.

Diagnosis of conversion disorder

Diagnosis of conversion disorder may be difficult. It is important that your doctor carefully examined the physical causes, symptoms. The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination. Tests may include:

• Blood tests;
• Electroencephalogram (EEG), to evaluate the electrical activity of the brain;
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) to evaluate the electrical activity of the heart.

Images can be made of internal organs. For this purpose, the following methods:

• Roentgen;
• CT scan;
• MRT.

If no physical problems are found, the patient may sent to a neurologist or a psychiatrist for consultation.

Treatment of conversion disorder

In some cases, conversion disorders are themselves. The treatment consists of counseling and psychotherapy. It may also include the identification and elimination of triggers, causing the conversion disorder.

If you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression, to treat them can be used drugs.

It is important to stick to the treatment plan, to prevent a recurrence of the disorder.

Physical therapy and / or occupational therapy

Therapy may be needed to overcome the paralysis of the limbs and retraining for normal behavior.

Prevention conversion disorder

Conversion disorder can not be prevented, as they occur after a certain, traumatic event psyche.