Conversion Disorder – Symptoms and Causes

Overview

Functional neurological disorder (FND) is a complex condition where people experience real physical symptoms that can’t be explained by standard medical tests.

Scientists don’t fully understand what causes FND. Some cases begin after:

• Physical trauma
• Emotional stress
• Psychological difficulties
• Another neurological condition

However, many people develop FND without any obvious trigger. Unlike conditions such as stroke or multiple sclerosis, FND doesn’t involve visible damage to brain structures. Instead, it relates to how the brain processes information and functions.

Symptoms

Conversion disorder shows physical symptoms without any clear physical cause.

Common symptoms include:

• Weakness or paralysis in limbs
• Abnormal movement (tremors, difficulty walking)
• Loss of balance
• Swallowing problems
• Seizures or convulsions
• Loss of touch sensation
• Vision changes (blindness, double vision)
• Hearing problems
• Speech difficulties

People might have weakness or unusual movements they can’t control. Some lose their sense of touch or feel numbness in parts of their body.

Vision problems can occur, including double vision or temporary blindness. Some people experience trouble with hearing or complete hearing loss. Difficulty speaking, including slurred speech or inability to speak, may happen suddenly.

Seizures or episodes that look like epilepsy sometimes appear. These differ from epileptic seizures and don’t show the same brain activity patterns. Some individuals have trouble walking or experience paralysis without any physical damage to their nerves or muscles.

The symptoms often appear suddenly after stressful events. They feel real to the person experiencing them and aren’t made up or faked.

The severity of symptoms varies widely among different people. Some might experience mild symptoms, while others have more severe manifestations that significantly affect daily life.

When to Get Medical Help

Contact your doctor right away if you have symptoms that affect your ability to function. Some symptoms, like seizures, vision problems, or paralysis, need quick medical attention. These could be signs of conversion disorder or a different medical condition.

Seek emergency medical care if you suddenly:

• Lose your ability to move or feel any part of your body
• Experience vision changes or blindness
• Have trouble speaking or understanding speech
• Have seizures or blackouts

It’s important to rule out physical causes before considering conversion disorder. Your doctor might recommend seeing a neurologist, who specializes in nervous system disorders.

If you’ve been diagnosed with conversion disorder, contact your healthcare provider if your symptoms get worse or you develop new symptoms. Regular follow-ups with your mental health provider can help manage the condition effectively.

Causes

Conversion disorder stems from the brain’s response to emotional distress or trauma. The mind turns psychological upset into physical symptoms, though this happens unconsciously.

Several factors may trigger conversion disorder. Past traumatic experiences like childhood abuse, violence, or accidents often play a role. Some people develop symptoms after losing a loved one or facing major life changes.

Personal risk factors include:

• Mental health conditions like anxiety or depression
• Family history of conversion disorder
• Recent significant stress at work or home

The brain-body connection explains much about this condition. When someone faces overwhelming stress, normal communication between brain regions can become disrupted. This disruption affects how the nervous system controls movement, sensation, and other bodily functions.

Research suggests that brain scans often show differences in people with conversion disorder. These differences appear in areas that process emotions and control physical movements. However, doctors cannot yet use brain scans alone to diagnose the condition.

Some physical illnesses or injuries may increase risk. People who experienced neurological problems in the past might be more susceptible. However, conversion disorder is not simply caused by another medical condition.

Risk Factors

Several factors may increase a person’s chance of developing conversion disorder. People with certain mental health conditions, particularly anxiety and depression, face a higher risk. Those who have experienced physical or emotional trauma also show greater vulnerability to this condition.

Certain personality traits play a role too. Individuals who have difficulty expressing emotions or who focus excessively on physical symptoms might develop conversion disorder more easily.

Research suggests that people with rigid thinking patterns or perfectionist tendencies may be more susceptible.

Family history matters as well. Those with relatives who have conversion disorder or other functional neurological disorders have an increased risk. Some evidence points to possible genetic factors, though environmental influences within families likely contribute significantly.

Women develop conversion disorder more often than men, with symptoms typically beginning in early adulthood. However, the condition can affect people of any age, gender, or background.

Stressful life events often trigger symptoms. These may include:

• Death of a loved one
• Relationship conflicts
• Financial problems
• Work-related stress
• Physical injuries or illnesses

The risk increases further for those lacking strong social support systems during difficult times.

Complications

People with conversion disorder may face several challenges beyond their primary symptoms. These problems can make recovery harder and affect daily life.

Medical complications can arise from long-term immobility. When someone cannot move properly due to symptoms like paralysis, they might develop muscle weakness, joint stiffness, or pressure sores. These physical complications might require additional treatment.

Social and occupational difficulties commonly affect those with conversion disorder. Symptoms may prevent normal activities, leading to:

• Inability to work or attend school
• Strained relationships with family and friends
• Social isolation
• Financial hardship

Emotional impacts can worsen over time. People might feel:

• Misunderstood or not believed
• Guilty about their symptoms
• Anxious about recovery
• Depressed about limitations

About 20-25% of patients develop chronic symptoms that last for years. Without proper treatment, symptoms may become more entrenched and harder to resolve.