Conversion Disorder, also known as Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder, is a mental disorder in which patients exhibit various neurological symptoms without any organic pathological cause to explain these symptoms. Symptoms typically manifest after psychological stress or emotional distress and may affect various bodily functions. Here are some common symptoms of Conversion Disorder:
1. Motor Dysfunction
Paralysis or weakness: Patients may experience sudden paralysis or weakness in a particular muscle, making movement difficult.
Abnormal movements or gait: Such as unsteadiness in gait, tremors, spasms, etc.
Speech difficulties or aphonia: Inability to speak normally or difficulty in pronouncing words.
2. Sensory Dysfunction
Numbness or loss of sensation: Sensation loss or abnormalities in certain body parts, such as numbness in the skin.
Burning or tingling sensation: Abnormal sensations like tingling, burning, or electric shock sensations.
3. Visual and Auditory Dysfunction
Visual loss or narrowed visual field: Patients may report visual problems even with normal eye examinations.
Hearing impairment: Such as deafness or ringing in the ears despite normal auditory tests.
4. Non-Epileptic Seizures
Spasms or convulsions: Resembling epileptic seizures but lacking the typical electroencephalographic features of epilepsy.
Fainting or syncope: Sudden loss of consciousness without evidence of cardiovascular or neurological diseases.
5. Swallowing or Throat Symptoms
Difficulty swallowing: Sensation of difficulty in swallowing food or liquids.
Feeling of something stuck in the throat: Often referred to as a “globus sensation” or foreign body sensation in the throat.
6. Abnormalities in Nervous System Function
Memory issues: Patients may report short-term memory loss or confusion.
Attention and concentration issues: Difficulties in focusing attention or maintaining concentration.
7. Emotional and Psychological Symptoms
Mood swings: Such as anxiety, depression, irritability, etc.
Inconsistent emotional reactions: Displaying emotions that are inconsistent with the events experienced.
The symptoms of Conversion Disorder often appear after patients have experienced psychological stress or emotional distress. The severity and duration of symptoms can vary from person to person, with some experiencing transient symptoms while others may have long-lasting symptoms.
If you suspect yourself or someone else may have Conversion Disorder, it is recommended to consult a professional mental health doctor or psychiatrist for evaluation and treatment. Professional psychological counseling, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and other psychotherapeutic methods can help patients understand and cope with symptoms, improving their quality of life.
