Conversion Disorder (Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder)

Criteria (1-2)

1. One or more symptoms of altered voluntary motor or sensory function 2. Neurological tests and self-reports don't match

Freudian Psychodynamic View

1. Traumatic / stressful event 2. Causes unacceptable anxiety 3. Anxiety is converted into socially acceptable form 4. Receives attention for physical symptoms

Criteria (3-4)

3. The symptoms can't be explained better by another condition 4. The symptom or deficit causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning or warrants medical evaluation

Onset

Adolescence Chronic, intermittent course. Sometimes resolves itself then comes back

Conversion Disorder

Doesn't include certain, transient symptoms experienced in cultural/religious rituals unless persisting and impairing Indicator: Lack of awareness of intact abilities but evidence suggesting otherwise

Causes of Somatic Disorders

Generalized biological and psychological vulnerabilities Cognitive distortions - can be learned, overreactions to physical signs and sensations Specific - stressful events, illness during childhood, benefits of illness

Examples

Paralysis Blindness Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures Globus hysterics - lump in the throat

Involves

Physical symptoms that is not due to neurological or medical condition Involuntary symptoms May or may not cause distress

Statistics

Rare (~1-5%) Seen more in women than men, lower SES and education

Usually not misdiagnosed

~4-10% were actually diagnosed