Conversion disorder, also known as functional neurological symptom disorder (FNSD), is a mental health condition that causes physical symptoms that cannot be explained by a medical condition. The symptoms are real and can be very disabling, but they are not intentionally produced by the person.
The symptoms of conversion disorder can vary widely, but they often involve the senses, movement, or coordination. Some common symptoms include:
Sensory symptoms
Numbness, tingling, blindness, deafness, or loss of taste or smell.
Motor symptoms
Paralysis, weakness, tremors, seizures, or difficulty walking.
Coordination problems
Difficulty with balance, coordination, or fine motor movements.
Speech problems
Slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, or mutism.
The symptoms of conversion disorder can come and go, and they may be triggered by stress, anxiety, or a traumatic event. The disorder is more common in women than in men, and it usually starts in early adulthood.
The cause of conversion disorder is not fully understood, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of psychological and biological factors. Psychological factors that may contribute to conversion disorder include:
Unresolved emotional conflicts
The symptoms of conversion disorder may be a way of expressing emotional distress that the person is unable to deal with in a healthy way.
Trauma
A traumatic event, such as a car accident or sexual assault, can sometimes trigger conversion disorder.
Learned behaviour
In some cases, conversion disorder may be learned behaviour. For example, if a child sees a parent or sibling with a physical symptom, they may develop the same symptom themselves.
Biological factors that may contribute to conversion disorder include:
Abnormal brain activity
Studies have shown that people with conversion disorder have abnormal brain activity in certain areas of the brain that control movement and sensation.
Genetics
There is some evidence that conversion disorder may be partly genetic.
The diagnosis of conversion disorder is made by a doctor or mental health professional. There is no single test that can diagnose conversion disorder, so the diagnosis is made based on the person’s symptoms, medical history, and mental health history.
Treatment for conversion disorder usually involves therapy, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) or psychodynamic therapy. CBT can help the person to identify and deal with the emotional conflicts that are contributing to the symptoms.
Psychodynamic therapy can help the person to understand the unconscious factors that are contributing to the symptoms.
In some cases, medication may also be used to treat conversion disorder. Anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medications can help to reduce the symptoms of anxiety or depression that may be contributing to the disorder.
Conversion disorder is a treatable condition, and most people with the disorder make a full recovery. However, it may take time and effort to get better.