Conversion Disorder

Conversion disorder is a rare psychological disorder brought on by intense stress. The direct cause of conversion disorder is usually experiencing a very stressful or traumatic event. The disorder can be considered the way someone copes, or as a psychological expression of the event. Although conversion disorder tends to occur during adolescence or early adulthood, it may first appear at any age. The disorder is generally believed to be somewhat more common in women than in men. Common signs and symptoms of conversion disorder include paralysis in an arm or leg, difficulty swallowing, sudden blindness or deafness, and nonepileptic seizures. Conversion disorder may affect people at any age. While some studies have suggested that conversion disorder occurs more frequently in women, it can affect both men and women. Symptoms of conversion disorder usually appear suddenly and may follow a stressful experience. Psychiatric treatment and other therapies can help alleviate symptoms and prevent recurrences.

Causes of Conversion disorder

The common causes and risk factor's of Conversion disorder:

Depression and other psychological disorders.
Physical or sexual abuse.
A previous history of personality or psychological disease.
Suffering from schizophrenia or otherpsychosis.
Co-existing psychiatric conditions such as depression or anxiety.

Symptoms of Conversion disorder

Some sign and symptom related to Conversion disorder are as follows:

Visual impairment, or blindness.
Falling down.
Visual changes, such as double vision.
Loss of sense of pain.
Paralysis of an arm or leg.
Deafness.
Seizures or convulsions.
Difficulty swallowing.

Treatment of Conversion disorder

Neurologic consultation may help if the neurological examination is equivocal.
In some cases, antidepressants may be used to speed recovery. Studies have shown that antidepressants may be helpful for patients with conversion disorder.
Behavior therapy, including relaxation training, has also been effective for some people.

Disclaimer : All information on www.depression-information.org is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, please consult your doctor.