Conversion Disorder Overview Risk Factors and Symptoms

Conversion Disorder Overview Risk Factors and Symptoms Phobias Print Conversion Disorder Overview: Risk Factors and Symptoms By Lisa Fritscher Lisa Fritscher is a freelance writer and editor with a deep interest in phobias and other mental health topics. Learn about our editorial policy Lisa Fritscher Medically reviewed by on January 23, 2020 Markus Spiering/EyeEm/Getty Images More in Phobias Causes Symptoms and Diagnosis Treatment Types Understanding the medical definition of conversion disorder (also known as functional neurological symptom disorder), along with its symptoms and risk factors, is the first step toward getting help for yourself or someone you love. Overview Conversion disorder is a psychological condition that causes symptoms that appear to be neurological, such as paralysis, speech impairment, or tremors. It is a relatively rare mental illness  with fewer than 25 cases reported in a population of 100,000, according to the National Organization for Rare Diseases.  It is categorized as a type of somatoform disorder  according to the  Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5),  the leading diagnostic guide for the mental health profession. Theres typically a sudden onset of symptoms that affect voluntary motor or sensory function â€" and these symptoms can disappear just as suddenly, without any physiological reason.  The symptoms can be about any neurological deficit imaginable, including paralysis, loss of voice (aphonia), disturbances in coordination, temporary blindness, loss of the sense of smell (anosmia) or touch (anesthesia). Diagnosis The DSM-5 offers several specific criteria for diagnosing conversion disorder, including:   There must be at least one symptom of sensory or motor impairment.Symptoms are not caused by neurological condition, physical disease, or substance abuse.Symptoms are preceded by conflict or psychological stress.Symptoms are not better explained by somatization disorder or another psychological condition. Risk Factors Conversion disorder is usually caused by a psychological reaction to a highly stressful event or emotional trauma. For example,  a soldier who subconsciously wishes to avoid firing a gun may develop paralysis in his or her hand.  The disorder does not necessarily develop right away, though, so its important to disclose recent and past stress when speaking to your therapist. Other risk factors of conversion disorder include: Being female; women have a higher risk of developing the disorderHaving a mental health condition, including mood or anxiety disorders, dissociative identity disorder (formerly known as multiple personality disorder) or other personality disordersHaving a neurological disease, such as epilepsyHaving a family member with conversion disorderBeing highly conscientious, hard-working, compulsive and a perfectionistA history of physical or sexual abuse and neglect as a child Symptoms The physical symptoms of conversion disorder are often described as your bodys way of dealing with the unresolved stress or unexpressed emotions that triggered the disorder. In other words, the physical symptoms distract the person from the emotional duress. Conversion disorder typically affects movement function as well as the senses. Some common red flags include: Weakness or paralysisAbnormal walking or tremorsLoss of balanceTrouble swallowing or feelings of a lump in your throatSeizures or convulsionsEpisode of unresponsivenessNumbness or loss of the sensation of touch  Slurred speech or inability to speakBlindness or double visionDeafness or problems hearing