Conversion Disorder

Body Dysmorphic Disorder	Conversion Disorder
Hypochondriasis	Pain Disorder
Somatization Disorder	Somatoform Home

In conversion disorder, a psychosocial conflict or need is converted into dramatic physical symptoms that affect voluntary motor or sensory functioning. The symptoms often seem neurological, such as paralysis, blindness, or loss of feeling (anesthesia).

Most conversion disorders begin between late childhood and early adulthood, and are diagnosed twice as often in women as in men. Symptoms usually appear suddenly and during times of extreme stress, and last for several weeks.

Diagnostic Criteria:

A. One or more symptoms or deficits affecting voluntary motor or sensory function that suggest a neurological or other general medical condition.

B. Psychological factors are judged to be associated with the symptom or deficit because the initiation or exacerbation of the symptom or deficit is preceded by conflicts or other stressors.

C. The symptom or deficit is not intentionally produced or feigned (as in Factitious Disorder or Malingering).

D. The symptom or deficit cannot, after appropriate investigation, be fully explained by a general medical condition, or by the direct effects of a substance, or as a culturally sanctioned behavior or experience.

E. The symptom or deficit causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning or warrants medical evaluation.

F. The symptom or deficit is not limited to pain or sexual dysfunction, does not occur exclusively during the course of Somatization Disorder, and is not better accounted for by another mental disorder.

Specify type of symptom or deficit:

- With Motor Symptom or Deficit
- With Sensory Symptom or Deficit
- With Seizures or Convulsions
- With Mixed Presentation

Personal Stories:

Hi my name is Sonia iam 36yrs old, married with two daughters.I was diagnosed with conversion disorder two and a half years ago. The Drs at first thought that id had a stroke has i collapsed.My symptons were poor speech, paralysis of left hand side, unable to swallow, i had lost all ability to control my head or to sit up. and seizures.

After a CT scan, MRI scan and EEG which showed no abnormalities i was diagnosed with conversion disorder and pseudoseizures.

I have improved a lot over the last two and a half years, although i still have left hand side weakness, balance problems and pseudoseizures.

I mainly am in a wheelchair but can walk with a crutch in the house with assistance although my left leg and foot turn inwards.

I would really like to be in touch with other sufferers has i dont know anybody else that sufferes from this disorder.

My email is Toon1058205068@aol.com

If you would like to share your personal story of living with conversion disorder, please email me and I will include it here on this page.