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Conversion disorder - Symptom

Alternative Names

Hysterical neurosis

Symptoms:

Symptoms of a conversion disorder include the loss of one or more bodily functions, such as:

Blindness
Inability to speak
Numbness
Paralysis

Diagnostic testing does not find any physical cause for the symptoms.

Signs and tests:

Common signs of conversion disorder include:

A debilitating symptom that begins suddenly
A history of a psychological problem that gets better after the symptom appears
A lack of concern that usually occurs with a severe symptom

Your doctor will do a physical examination, and possibly diagnostic tests, to rule out physical causes for the symptom.

Reviewed last on: 10/17/2008
Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Timothy A. Rogge, MD, private practice in Psychiatry, Kirkland, Washington. Also reviewed byDavid Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Moore DP, Jefferson JW. Conversion disorder. In: Moore DP, Jefferson JW, eds. Handbook of Medical Psychiatry. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2004: chap 91.

Ferri FF. Conversion disorder. In: Ferri FF, ed. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2008: Instant Diagnosis and Treatment. 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2008.

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