What Is Conversion Disorder?

To understand conversion disorder, individuals must first understand somatization, which conversion disorder is a form of. Somatization is experiencing psychological distress through physical (somatic) symptoms, and often seeking medical assistance for physical ailments rather than psychological ones first. As stated, conversion disorder is a form of somatization, and as such, it is related to somatic symptom disorder. Conversion disorder itself is a condition in which an individual experiences symptomsthat affecttheir nervous system (e.g., paralysis) without an explanation from a physical injury or illness. Conversion disorder often occurs after significant emotional, psychological, or physical distress.

Start reading to learn everything you need to know about conversion disorder, including its symptoms, treatment options, as well as some key prevention methods.

Signs And Symptoms

Symptoms of conversion disorder and their severity vary based on the individual experiencing them. However, they typically include a range of neurological symptoms, such as sudden vision issues (e.g., blindness or double vision), paralysis (e.g., one limb), speech paralysis, slurred speech, and difficulty swallowing. Other neurological symptoms include a loss of senses (e.g., touch, smell, or hearing), tremors, weakness or numbness in limbs, and have trouble balancing. Reports indicate some individuals with conversion disorder may also experience seizures or hallucinations.

In most cases of conversion disorder, the symptoms will appear without warning when a stressful event occurs. They also tend to disappear suddenly as well, typically once the perceived danger or stress has passed. Though symptoms may appear only once, it is also common for the same symptoms to appear when the stressor that caused them reappears or is remembered.

Continue reading to learn about the causes of conversion disorder.

What Are The Causes?

Research regarding conversion disorder indicates the most common cause of the condition is a physical or psychological stressor, following with sudden symptoms. Some stressors that may cause conversion disorder include physical illness, post-traumatic stress disorder, and a dissociative disorder. Individuals in the military or law enforcement (e.g., soldier, police officer, or federal agent) are at a higher risk of developing conversion disorder, as these jobs tend to produce more violent, high-stress situations and environments, as well as increasing the risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder. Unfortunately, some individuals may experience conversion disorder with no discernable stressor causing the symptoms. This indicates the cause of the condition can be unknown in some instances.

However, some conversion disorder research indicates the brains of some individuals with this condition have either reduced or increased blood flow to certain parts of the brain, which may result in the neurological symptoms they experience, depending on which part of the brain is affected (e.g., the areas communicating with other body parts).

Get familiar with potential complications of conversion disorder next.