CONVERSION DISORDER Meaning and
Definition
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Conversion disorder, also referred to as functional neurological symptom disorder or functional motor sensory disorder, is a psychiatric condition characterized by the presence of physical symptoms that cannot be explained by any known medical or neurological condition. The symptoms experienced by individuals with conversion disorder are believed to result from psychological distress or unconscious internal conflicts.
Common symptoms of conversion disorder include weakness or paralysis of limbs, unresponsiveness or loss of consciousness, non-epileptic seizures, impaired coordination or balance, sensory disturbances, abnormal movements, and speech difficulties. These symptoms tend to mimic the appearance of a neurological disorder, but lack any evidence of pathological changes in the nervous system.
Conversion disorder typically arises as a response to emotional or psychological stressors and is thought to be influenced by various factors such as personality traits, past trauma, or cultural influences. The condition may be triggered by a traumatic event, ongoing stressors, or internal conflicts that the individual is unable to express or resolve in a more conventional way.
The diagnosis of conversion disorder is made after a thorough medical evaluation has ruled out any identifiable organic cause for the symptoms. A psychological assessment is then conducted to evaluate the individual's mental state, emotional functioning, and to explore potential psychological factors contributing to the symptoms.
Treatment for conversion disorder often involves a multidisciplinary approach, including psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, physical therapy, and in some cases, medication to address any associated anxiety or depression. The primary goal of treatment is to help the individual alleviate the symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.
Common Misspellings for CONVERSION DISORDER
- xonversion disorder
- vonversion disorder
- fonversion disorder
- donversion disorder
- cinversion disorder
- cknversion disorder
- clnversion disorder
- cpnversion disorder
- c0nversion disorder
- c9nversion disorder
- cobversion disorder
- comversion disorder
- cojversion disorder
- cohversion disorder
- concersion disorder
- conbersion disorder
- congersion disorder
- confersion disorder
- convwrsion disorder
Etymology of CONVERSION DISORDER
The word "conversion disorder" originates from the field of psychology and psychiatry.
The term "conversion" in this context was first introduced by Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, in the late 19th century. He used the term "conversion" to describe a psychological process where emotional distress is transformed or "converted" into physical symptoms. Freud believed that these physical symptoms observed in patients were a symbolic representation of their internal conflicts or unresolved psychological issues.
The addition of the term "disorder" emphasizes that conversion symptoms are abnormal or maladaptive, causing significant distress or impairment in a person's functioning. Hence, "conversion disorder" refers to a condition where psychological distress is manifested as physical symptoms, without any identifiable organic cause.
Similar spelling words for CONVERSION DISORDER
