Conversion Disorder

What is conversion disorder?

Conversion disorder is a condition in which you show psychological stress in physical ways. It is a health problem that starts with a stressful or traumatic incident of some kind and converts into a physical problem. Causes of conversion

Causes of conversion disorder

The causes of conversion disorder are unknown, but physicians believe it may be related to your brain’s responses to stress.

Symptoms of conversion disorder

Signs and symptoms of conversion disorder typically affect your movement or your senses, such as the ability to walk, swallow, see or hear. Symptoms can vary in severity. They may pass quickly or persist for some time.

Treatments

Treatment of conversion disorder

Symptoms of conversion disorder often get better without treatment. When it doesn't, your treatment options include:

• Counseling with a mental health professional
• Physical therapy
• Anti-anxiety or antidepressant medication
• Transcranial magnetic stimulation: a procedure in which weak electrical currents excite brain activity, possibly altering the brain's biochemistry