Conversion Disorder - An Interesting Illness
Conversion disorder: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (Print Version)Conversion disorder: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
Source :
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000954.htm
Conversion disorder is a condition in which a person has blindness, paralysis, or other nervous system (neurologic) symptoms that cannot be explained. Causes
Conversion disorder symptoms may occur because of emotional distress or psychological problems.
Symptoms usually begin suddenly after a stressful experience. People are more at risk for a conversion disorder if they also have a medical illness, dissociative disorder, or personality disorder.
Some doctors falsely believe that conversion disorder and similar disorders are not real conditions, and may tell patients that the problem is "all in your head." However, these conditions are real. They cause distress and cannot be turned on and off at will. Research on the mind-body connection may eventually increase understanding of these disorders. Symptoms
Symptoms of a conversion disorder include the loss of one or more bodily functions, such as:
Common signs of conversion disorder include:
Psychotherapy and stress management training may help reduce symptoms. The affected body part or physical function will need physical or occupational therapy until the symptoms disappear. For example, paralyzed limbs must be exercised to prevent muscle wasting. Outlook (Prognosis)
Symptoms usually last for days to weeks and may suddenly go away. Usually the symptom itself is not life threatening, but complications can be debilitating. When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you or someone you know has symptoms of a conversion disorder. Alternative Names
Hysterical neurosis References
Moore DP, Jefferson JW. Conversion disorder. In: Moore DP, Jefferson JW, eds. Handbook of Medical Psychiatry. 2nd cheap cialis. 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.Update Date: 10/17/2008
Updated by: 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.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2010, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Source :
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000954.htm
Conversion disorder is a condition in which a person has blindness, paralysis, or other nervous system (neurologic) symptoms that cannot be explained. Causes
Conversion disorder symptoms may occur because of emotional distress or psychological problems.
Symptoms usually begin suddenly after a stressful experience. People are more at risk for a conversion disorder if they also have a medical illness, dissociative disorder, or personality disorder.
Some doctors falsely believe that conversion disorder and similar disorders are not real conditions, and may tell patients that the problem is "all in your head." However, these conditions are real. They cause distress and cannot be turned on and off at will. Research on the mind-body connection may eventually increase understanding of these disorders. Symptoms
Symptoms of a conversion disorder include the loss of one or more bodily functions, such as:
- Blindness
- Inability to speak
- Numbness
- Paralysis
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
Psychotherapy and stress management training may help reduce symptoms. The affected body part or physical function will need physical or occupational therapy until the symptoms disappear. For example, paralyzed limbs must be exercised to prevent muscle wasting. Outlook (Prognosis)
Symptoms usually last for days to weeks and may suddenly go away. Usually the symptom itself is not life threatening, but complications can be debilitating. When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you or someone you know has symptoms of a conversion disorder. Alternative Names
Hysterical neurosis References
Moore DP, Jefferson JW. Conversion disorder. In: Moore DP, Jefferson JW, eds. Handbook of Medical Psychiatry. 2nd cheap cialis. 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.Update Date: 10/17/2008
Updated by: 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.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2010, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.