Table of contents:
- Conversion disorder is a disease that attacks the nervous system
- What are the symptoms of conversion disorder?
- How is conversion disorder diagnosed?
- How is conversion disorder treated?
Have you ever heard of conversion disruption? Conversion disorders are diseases that affect the function of the nervous system, but are not associated with neurological diseases or other diseases. Symptoms can appear in episodes that are temporary or they can last a long time. Check out the following reviews to get to know conversion disorder.
Conversion disorder is a disease that attacks the nervous system
Conversion disorder is a psychiatric condition in which a person experiences physical symptoms in the form of loss of control over the function of the nervous system and these symptoms are not related to other diseases. This condition, also known as functional neurological disorder, refers to the abnormal functioning of the central nervous system. This disorder is more common in women than men.
Reporting from Medical News Today, the cause of this disease is not known with certainty. However, researchers believe that this condition arises as a physical response to mental, physical, or psychological trauma. Triggers for symptoms include:
- There was a tense incident
- Experiencing emotional trauma, stress, or physical trauma
- There is a change in brain function, be it in the structure, cells, or chemical reactions in the body
People who have this disease will usually experience physical symptoms in an attempt to resolve conflicts that are felt or thought. For example, a woman who hates violence and thinks she will not be violent, suddenly feels numb in her hands when she is very angry and wants to hit someone else. Instead of allowing himself to hit someone, he will feel a physical symptom, namely numbness in his hand.
What are the symptoms of conversion disorder?
The following are symptoms of conversion disorder that affect body movement and function, such as:
- Limp
- Temporary paralysis of the hands and feet
- Losing balance
- Seizures
- Difficulty swallowing, like a lump in your throat
- Difficulty walking
- Uncontrolled movement of body parts or shaking (tremors)
- Fainting (non-epileptic seizures)
Some of the symptoms that affect the senses include:
- Loss of touch sensation (numbness)
- Visual disturbances, including double vision or blindness
- Communication disorders, including loss of voice or changes in articulation
- Hearing loss, which includes difficulty hearing or being unable to hear at all
Each patient experiences symptoms that vary in nature, which can be mild or severe. The occurrence can be temporary, it could be for a long time. As a result, the body's ability to function normally will be impaired. The severity or disability caused by conversion disorder can be similar to that experienced by people with other similar medical illnesses.
People at risk for conversion disorder are people with conditions, such as:
- Have a history of neurological diseases or disorders such as epilepsy, migraines, or movement disorders
- Have a dissociative disorder (disorders of memory, identity, awareness, and perception)
- Having a personality disorder (inability to manage feelings and behaviors expected in certain social situations)
- Have a mental health condition, such as an anxiety disorder
- Have a history of sexual abuse or physical abuse
If you experience the symptoms that have been mentioned, go to the doctor immediately to find out the cause of the symptoms and get the right treatment.
How is conversion disorder diagnosed?
No standard tests are performed for this condition. However, according to Medline Plus, patients with this condition will be diagnosed using the criteria established by the Guidelines for the Classification and Diagnosis of Mental Disorders (PPDGJ) which include:
- Loss of control over movement or sensory symptoms
- Symptoms appear after a traumatic or stressful event
- The symptoms that appear cannot be explained medically
- Symptoms interfere with your daily activities
The diagnosis is made by including all the symptoms present and ruling out any neurological medical conditions or other diseases that could be causing the symptoms. Testing involves neurologists, psychiatrists, and other mental health professions.
Patients will be recommended to do medical tests such as scan , reflex tests, blood pressure, and an electorencephalogram (EEG) that records brain activity and can help determine the cause of neurological disorders.
How is conversion disorder treated?
Treatment of this disease will be adjusted to the symptoms felt by the patient and the possible triggers. Treatment is more done to manage stress or trauma faced by patients. Depending on the patient's needs, treatment will include:
Physical or occupational therapy
Overcoming any disturbances in the movement system, paralysis, muscle weakness, or mobility. Gradual improvement in exercise can improve the patient's physical abilities.
Speech therapy
Overcoming any communication problems, namely when talking.
CBT therapy
Behavioral and cognitive therapy, aka CBT therapy, helps patients become aware of positive and negative behaviors and trains them to deal with traumatic events.
Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy is the process of planting suggestions into someone's subconscious mind, by means of hypnosis, aka concentrating your mind completely. You will receive suggestions or suggestions relating to the symptoms and ways to deal with this disorder during hypnotherapy.
Patients are usually given drugs that are also used for depression, anxiety disorders, and insomnia. Patients are required to carry out routine care to monitor recovery and determine the suitability of treatment being carried out.
