Conversion disorder

Alternative names:

conversion type; hysterical neurosis

Treatment:

Psychiatric treatment is recommended to help the person understand the underlying psychological conflict. The person needs to know there is no organic cause for the symptom. The integrity of the affected body part or function must be maintained until the conflict is resolved and the symptoms usually disappear. For example, paralyzed limbs must be exercised to avoid muscle wasting.

Expectations (prognosis):

Relief of the symptom occurs with effective treatment. Usually the symptom is not life-threatening, but complications as a result of the symptom can develop and be debilitating, (for example, muscle wasting through disuse of a body part, or wasting and weight loss due to gastrointestinal symptoms).

Complications:

Complications can result from disuse of a body part or system. Seizure-like disorders referred to as pseudoseizures develop in some individuals

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if multiple diagnostic work-ups have found no cause for the symptoms.