About this topic
Conversion disorder is a condition where a person has physical signs that affect movement or your senses. These signs cannot be traced to a physical cause. The signs usually start suddenly after a stressful event or trauma. People who have conversion disorder are not making up their signs. The signs are real and cannot come and go as they want. Stress can make the signs worse. ‚
What are the causes?
Doctors do not know exactly what causes conversion disorder. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
- Having someone else in your family with this illness
- Recent stress or emotional trauma
- Being female
- Having mental health problems
- Having a nervous system problem like epilepsy
- Having a history of physical or sexual abuse
What are the main signs?
- Feeling numb or not able to move a body part
- Problems speaking, seeing, or hearing
- Movements of a body part that are not normal
- Not responding
- Trouble swallowing
- Seizures
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
The doctor will do an exam and take your history. The doctor will also ask questions about your signs. There is no specific test to diagnose conversion disorder. You may need to have tests based on the types of problems you are having. This is to check for other reasons for your signs. ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Your doctor will help you learn about what is causing your signs. The doctor will work with you to control the signs you are having. You may need to have regular checkups. Sometimes, your doctor may want you to go see a counselor. You may need to have: ‚
- A special type of therapy called cognitive behavioral therapy that will try to:
- Figure out what makes the signs worse
- Deal with the signs
- Keep you active
- Physical therapy to keep your body part strong until your signs go away
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Treat anxiety or low mood
- Treat other signs
What problems could happen?
- You may isolate yourself or pull out of social activities
- Problems from not using an arm or leg
Where can I learn more?
FamilyDoctor.org ‚
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/somatoform-disorders.html ‚
Last Reviewed Date
2015-05-08 ‚
List_set bdysylist
- Adult
- Central Nervous System
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider 's advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2016 Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved. ‚