Conversion disorder

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Hysterical neurosis

The symptoms of conversion disorder involves the involuntary loss of one or more bodily functions resulting in, for example, blindness, paralysis, or the inability to speak. Diagnostic testing does not show a physical cause for the dysfunction.

Some of the common signs of conversion disorder include:

• The sudden onset of a debilitating symptom
• A history of a recent psychological conflict that is resolved through the development of the symptom
• A lack of concern that is usually associated with a severe symptom

A physical examination is performed to rule out physical causes for the loss of function. Specific diagnostic testing related to the symptom is warranted to rule out a physical cause.

Review Date: 11/15/2006
Reviewed By: Paul Ballas, D.O., Department of Psychiatry, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.