What is Conversion Disorder?
Conversion disorder, also known as functional neurological symptom disorder, is a condition where a person has physical symptoms that cannot be traced back to a medical cause. The person does not control these symptoms, which can significantly affect their daily functioning.
Many people may not realize they have conversion disorder, often attributing their symptoms to various medical conditions. However, the critical characteristic of conversion disorder is that the symptoms are not aligned with typical patterns of any known medical or neurological condition.
What are the signs that I might have Conversion Disorder?
Do you…
- Experience physical symptoms like weakness, paralysis, nonepileptic seizures, or loss of sensation without a clear medical cause?
- Have symptoms that begin or worsen during periods of emotional or psychological stress?
- Find that your symptoms are inconsistent with typical patterns of any known medical or neurological condition?
- Feel distressed and impaired in your social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning due to these symptoms?
Conversion Disorder treatment can help you to:
- Help you understand the link between your mental health and physical symptoms
- Teach you strategies to manage stress and emotional distress, which may reduce your symptoms
- Improve your quality of life by helping you cope with the physical symptoms
Why seek therapy for Conversion Disorder?
Living with unexplained physical symptoms can be distressing and significantly impact your quality of life.
It’s important to realize that having Conversion Disorder doesn’t mean your symptoms are “all in your head” – they are real and can significantly impact your quality of life.
Therapy for conversion disorder can help you manage your symptoms, reduce distress, and improve your overall well-being.
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is often effective in treating conversion disorder. It can help you understand the relationship between your physical symptoms and psychological factors and equip you with strategies to manage your symptoms.