Conversion Disorder

Before defining what a conversion disorder is, consider these two cases. In the first case, a mother suddenly develops blindness and hearing loss in the setting of frequent arguments between her husband and son. Upon physical and neurological examination, doctors were not able to find the cause of her symptoms. In the second case, a student is involved in a car accident on her way to school and was subsequently evaluated in the emergency room of a nearby hospital, with results negative for concussion. However, three days after the incident, she developed left-sided numbness requiring physical therapy, as well as double vision and occasional slurred speech. These cases may both involve conversion disorder. 

Conversion disorder is defined by symptoms involving the nervous system that cannot be explained by a known neurological disorder or other medical complication. However, the symptoms are very real, and they can be extremely debilitating in some cases. Symptoms vary with the individual, and may involve alterations in motion like ataxia or numbness, as well as deprivation in senses, such as vision and audition. Some may have symptoms of seizure or hallucination. The mechanism of conversion disorder is unknown; however, symptoms often occur following a psychologically or physically troubling incident. For some, the symptoms of the disorder provide a physical outlet for their stress, but this is not always the case. 

Some individuals may dismiss the symptoms of people with conversion disorder. However, this is a very real condition that people struggle from. There is research suggesting that individuals with this disorder have decreased blood flow to some regions of the brain on brain imaging, showing a possible neurological basis for the disorder. Treatment for this condition includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, and treatment of the stressors themselves. 

As with almost all mental health problems, conversion disorder must be diagnosed with a medical professional, and self-diagnosis is not helpful and can even be detrimental, particularly for a condition so difficult to understand. If you believe you may have conversion disorder, you should be evaluated by a medical professional to receive proper treatment. 

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/conversion-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355197 

https://www.physio-pedia.com/Conversion_Disorder_Case_Study 

https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/6191/conversion-disorder