Description
Conversion disorder occurs when someone complains of the sudden onset of a symptom (blindness, deafness, paralysis, difficulty speaking, seizures) and there is no apparent medical cause. The symptom is produced unconsciously, often in response to a recent psychologic stress (death in the family, new job, birth of a child, etc.). Patients may describe their symptoms with a surprising amount of indifference. It is much more common in women than men and occurs most commonly between adolescence and middle age. A high percentage of people with conversion disorder have another psychiatric disorder.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include blindness, deafness, paralysis, loss of balance, difficulty speaking or seizures.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical will be performed. Further testing will be directed based on the particular symptom and may include blood tests and imaging tests to exclude a medical cause of the symptoms such as a stroke.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Electroencephalogram (EEG), Electromyography (EMG), Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, Neurology, Family Practice, Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric and Adolescent Psychiatry
Workup:
A history and physical will be performed. Further testing will be directed based on the particular symptom and may include blood tests and imaging tests to exclude a medical cause of the symptoms such as a stroke.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Electroencephalogram (EEG), Electromyography (EMG), Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, Neurology, Family Practice, Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric and Adolescent Psychiatry
Treatment
Symptoms generally resolve on their own when the stress is removed. If the stressor cannot be identified, psychotherapy may be beneficial. Anti-anxiety medications can be used if there is a significant component of anxiety.