Conversion Disorder : Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, And More

[@JessicaL085]

My son's therapist just told me she believes my son has conversion disorder; while he's talking he will just completely stop talking and stare for several seconds and then look at you like he doesn't know what's going on. It started when he was little but I thought he just easily lost his train of thought like me, then his dad died and it got way worse, he stopped talking in class, and his teachers would call me and say he refuses to talk. I fully believed he was just extremely shy. Knowing that I could've gotten him help sooner makes me feel like shit, but knowing that he can get help now at 15 is nice. Like he might not deal with this forever now that we have a name for it

[@novascotianinfj]

is is dissociating.... stress/anxiemty so he zones out, as in out of body, imo

[@kristen7948]

Teacher here. Ive heard this referred to as an absent seizure. The other sorts there are other body part involvement. The other possibility is disassociating

[@51623allissa]

I experienced total immobility from the neck down following my second brain surgery in less than one week. June of last year. After a battery of tests were run the surgeon said it was conversion. Due to the complete immobility for 3 days it caused muscle atrophy and significant weakness. I couldn't feed myself or use the restroom. Overall; though I wasn't physically paralyzed the toll being bedridden took on my body caused me to need extensive rehabilitation. Regaining the ability to hold my phone, stand unaided, and walk has all been stepping stones to my ultimate goal of training for and completing another marathon. Getting stronger every day!

[@MedicalCentric]

Sorry about the experiences. Really glad you are better now

[@kireenagulen4099]

Heading into my 20th year of dealing with conversations disorder. Such a difficult condition to live with and even harder to make others understand. My symptoms vary from full body paralysis to partial paralysis, body spasms, occasionally inability to speak and occasionally falling asleep from sudden exhaustion. Currently going through a period of having these episodes 1-3 times a day.

[@drEAmzZzza]

and still u havent realized conversion disorder isnt real.. its known as the "damned if i know whats wrong with the patient disease".. u have a real disease that they havent picked up on. stop trusting these stupid doctors. i also was told i have conversion disorder and later found out by a real doctor i had a stroke and lost 90% vision and ability to walk. imagine if i believed them like u did

[@nettie444amc]

Do you have chronic fatigue syndrome or POTS as well?

[@coffeecat3166]

​@@nettie444amci have them

[@pjmendoza8871]

My wife has been going through this for the past year.

[@ms.chettri7094]

I am a proud survivor of Conversion Reaction 🧘🏻‍♀️❤

[@roberthalstead5545]

Conversion disorder is definitely not an enjoyable condition (to have, or even try to explain to someone) Personally, my brain tend to shut down the particular section responsible for the motor control of the left side of my body, leading to me looking as if I had suffered a stroke when my conversion disorder kicks in. It took years of extensive testing and almost eight months in a psychiatric facility before my neurologist announced her diagnosis. Even I didn't believe what I was hearing at first, it sounded like she was making it up on the spot. Now, imagine you're the one having to make that same, unbelievable explanation to a professional medical specialist who has never heard of the condition in their many years of work... The only reason my disorder is even remotely under control is because I have a psychiatric therapist who is well versed on the condition (due to dealing with myself for years) and who understands, for the most part, what is happening when it "acts up." As far as I'm aware, there is no medication available for the treatment of conversion disorder. They can only treat the possible symptoms that occur; and those symptoms are usually different for each individual afflicted with the disorder. I've met some people who only get a slight numbing of their extremities (fingers and toes) to people who's body goes into complete physical shut down (think Locked-In syndrome, only temporary) The main issue seems to be finding the root cause of conversion disorder: some people aquire it from physical trauma, while others (such as myself) develop the condition due to mental stress and trauma. If you are one of the (un)lucky few who are diagnosed with this disorder, or know someone who is, make sure you educate your healthcare providers and family the best you can. Reach out for support, be it a therapist or even just an online group of other sufferers. Just knowing that you're not alone in this fight can really make a world of difference in your mental stability (and thus potentially help keep the disorder from flaring up more frequently) I just wish someone had told me of all this when I was diagnosed back in 2010. Now, I simply try to help those who may end up in the same predicament I was in. There's nothing more upsetting than having a condition that affects your mental and physical state so severely, and yet all the medical professionals simply brush you aside because they don't believe you're being honest (just because they've never heard of the disorder before.) I've been called a liar, and even flagged for "doctor shopping" because they thought I wanted nothing but pain pills before I found the specialist that work with me now.

[@MedicalCentric]

Thank you for sharing. Please continue to stay strong.

[@drEAmzZzza]

conversion disorder is not real. its when doctors simply dont know whats wrong with u they name it psychiatric or conversion. its a fake disease docs use for other words " have no idea whats wrong with u disorder". i for one lost all my memories and eyesight and am unable to do anything literally brain dead. and cos their mri machine says nothings wrong they rely on that more than a patients symptoms. mris dont see anything but the physical structure of the brain. they dont see 1 neuron or electron or nerve.

[@shennaki8517]

Thank you so much. I have a conversion disorder for almost 7 years now and I can say the road has been lonely. I get mostly spasm or I get complete “attacks” with tremors , inability to speak and walk. And overal seizures. they are temporarily there but it has impacted my life a great deal. Currently looking for tips to what helps me get out of these weird seizures. It feels like I’m locked inside my body even when my mind is pretty allright. I try calming the nervous system a lot during the day but nothing so far has “cured me “

[@roberthalstead5545]

@@shennaki8517 Unfortunately, there is no "cure" as far as I'm aware. The best thing you can do is try to keep any and all stress as low as humanly possible (I say try because it'll never be perfect. Life is constant ups and downs, and unfortunately, stress seems to be one of the main "triggers" to the condition; at least for myself anyway.) Meditation, relaxation, and finding simple hobbies that you not only enjoy, but can perform even when the condition flairs up seem to have helped me keep the disorder as "under control" as possible. But other conditions (such as anxiety, depression, ADD/ADHD, ect.) can make this seem almost impossible at times. Having a therapist that is knowledgeable on the condition helps, and even group therapy can help relieve a lot of stress and weight from your mind and help you in keeping calm. I've spoken to others that simply journal their problems instead of therapy, as it seems to help them keep calm and (mostly) relaxed. It's really trial and error to find what will work for you individually, but once you discover something that can help alleviate stress it should help you get at least a foothold over the disorder. I personally wish you the best of luck, and hopefully with time you can start to get control over the disorder. Again, there is no cure as of now that I'm aware of: but antidepressants, anxiety relief medications, and a few others can possibly help control the individual symptoms but that's all that can be done for now. But even just knowing you're not alone in this fight can be a start. You can research online for support groups for individuals with conversion disorder, I know that just being able to speak with others who truly understand what you go through has helped myself tremendously. It may not seem like much honestly, but we all start any journey with a single step... Best of luck to you, and hopefully you can find some relief here soon.

[@ms.chettri7094]

On the same very year I was diagnosed with this and till date I am being given a hastag of overthinker 🥺

[@sara-lindamitchell1926]

wow I have never heard of this. I suffered with Hyperemesis Gravidarum during pregnancy, which is severe nausea and vomiting to the point where you actually loose weight instead of put weight on during pregnancy and have to be re hydrated for dehydration. I just read that for a long time conversion disorder was thought to be the reason for hyperemesis.

[@nancydrew8388]

@you are correct! Hyperemesis was originally thought to be emotional, but is now understood to be a medical problem with a genetic component not a psychological one.

[@hafizaramla5227]

Mujhy howa tha conversion disorder But now I am fine Alhamdullilah

[@dessert4923]

Plz mjhy btao

[@dessert4923]

Medicine

[@oziikhan1154]

Kese shi hoa mujhe bh saans bhot mushkil se ati he 24 hours

[@Supernova-217]

@@dessert4923 HI! I'm a med student currently studying conversion disorders, and as far as book go, no medicine is recommended fot its treatment. The only way to manage is to lessen the stress, and to have Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). It has no cure as of yet. Hope you get better...

[@MrPoPeYe21]

I had face it since 7/8 years only i know how its feel😢

[@meandi570]

My 14 years old cousin is recently diagnosed with conversion disorder and the doctor said the treatment for her is counselling. She is a single parent child. I want to more know about this disorder for her.

[@MedicalCentric]

I hope you find the information here useful

[@edithwakeley6340]

I don’t even try to tell or explain to people…sigh. I keep fighting to work but maybe I should accept the diagnosis and learn to deal with it.

[@AmyDolphinMusic]

I had this disorder for 10 years. I no longer have it due to therapy and hypnotherapy. Maybe this can help someone out there.

[@anuj5278]

what was your symptoms ?

[@2Camelpofthewind]

It's so wild bc I had seizures where I would get stiff and hit my head. Doctors said it was pseudo seizures. Thank goodness I was around family or friends bc I would be so confused, that someone could kidnqp me or worse. The seizure would come out of nowhere too. Ide be just watching movie or talking..then lights out.

[@MedicalCentric]

Sorry about the experiences.

[@MedicalCentric]

Sorry about the experiences.

[@DivineMaeEntinsa]

I still suffering conversion disorder right now and I don't know what to do it's like all the negatived memories and trauma's always flashbacks in my mind and conversion disorder is always attacked me everyday. All I need is someone or somebody understand me and comforting me but no one even my family they're not understand me and sometimes I was thinking that is their really care me? Or I'm not belong in this family. I've no friends who cares about my situation cuz they're all left me. I don't Even know if what must I do. It's too hard for me let's see like no one understands me. The hardest things is I/we don't have money to consult to the doctors. My heart is so heavy cuz. I chose to hide my feelings because they don't gets me or understand what I felt. I hope and I pray there's someone who cares and understand about me. 😭😭

[@MedicalCentric]

I'm so sorry you're going through this. Conversion disorder, especially when tied to unresolved trauma and feeling unsupported, can be incredibly isolating and challenging. It's vital to know that your feelings are valid and that seeking help, even if it's difficult due to financial constraints, is important. There may be free or low-cost mental health services or support groups available in your area, including online resources where you can connect with others who understand what you're going through. Reaching out, even in small ways, can start to make a difference, and you deserve to feel supported and heard.

[@mstricks8358]

Hi. Sad to hear that. If im near to u , u can share it with me so u can be releived. But im far. To help u,thia only i can say. U kneel down close ur eyes and pray atleast u releiv from ur sadness, just think of Him. Atleast their is God that we can lean on❤hope u feel better. And their is also a church that very good church and good people , Member Church of God International . Hope u try to find it. It can help u

[@kickingitwithbrown6868]

I was recently diagnosed with conversion disorder and I still have a hard time speaking and I have very bad numbness on my left side feel like I had a stroke also I can burly hear from my left ear couple days ago I forgot where I lived or was at is that normal with this disorder I feel tired when talking it’s really hard I feel like my muscles fell tight on My neck to speak making me slur more I hate conversion disorder I hate talking like something wrong with me it’s sucks to repeat your self when they don’t understand what your saying 🥺

[@MedicalCentric]

I'm really sorry to hear that you're going through such a challenging time. Conversion disorder can indeed present a range of distressing symptoms, including the ones you've described, such as speech difficulties, numbness, and even memory issues. It's essential to remember that these symptoms are real and can be extremely frustrating and distressing. Seeking support from a mental health professional who specializes in conversion disorder can be beneficial. They can provide strategies to cope with symptoms, such as speech therapy or cognitive-behavioral therapy, and work with you to address the underlying stressors or emotional factors that may contribute to the disorder. Remember that you're not alone, and with the right support, there's hope for improvement and recovery.

[@user-ic4re8oh9c]

can someone explain to me, if someone experiences blindness from this disorder, how long that vision loss will last?

[@XNonexistenceX]

My wife sometimes has blindness for a few minutes I calm her and tell her to close her eyes and breathe and that she is okay. We been through this many times and she will be okay. It happens along with a lot of other symptoms. Slurred speech can’t walk right or legs wobble. Hard to swallow things after an attack. Stomach cramps. When they happen she lays down and her head moves side to side. And arms fold up or stretch out and her fingers make a fist and they lock up. She moans and screams. Then it stops and she sleeps for about a minute. Then wakes up like what happens and confused. Then her speech is slurred and stomach will cramp she will dry heave. That’s usually when I know it’s over and the disorder has stoped. I help her walk around sometimes it burns when see pees but only after a disorder attack. Takes about 1 hour or 2 then she is back to herself again until the next one happens. She has lived with it for 10 years now and me and my two kids which are teens now are use to seeing them and help her as much as we can. I can’t find a doctor to treat her but she does have a mental health doctor that prescribed her lorazepam and hydroxazine which helps calm them sometimes it can prevent them. But not all the time. I am sorry you have to deal with this to I see what you all go through it hurts me that I can’t take them away for her or give her a break I prayed to god to just make them stop or give them to me I’ll take this instead of her.. I hate them.. 😢

[@EnglisholicExpressions]

It's now called fnd

[@aytun17]

Whats that?

[@keithwilson-yd1vw]

Can a conversion disorder be non physical, but mental. My wife suffers from epilepsy and takes medication for it. This conversion disorder rarely happens,but when it does she seems to go to a younger age. My wife is in her 40s but when an episode happens she is somewhere between 11-15. In her mind I'm not her husband,but like one of her dad's friends. She will also have no knowledge of deceased family members. Her granny is still alive. Sometimes she will not understand her surroundings. It would be more like cell phones are some strange device that she has never seen. Bed rest is the only way to recharge her brain a d bring her back to normal.

[@MedicalCentric]

@keithwilson-yd1vw Yes, conversion disorder can manifest in ways that seem non-physical and psychological, as it involves neurological symptoms that don’t have a clear medical explanation. In some cases, individuals may experience dissociative symptoms, which might explain your wife’s temporary shifts in memory, age perception, and awareness of familiar technology or people. This can occur in response to stress or neurological triggers, especially with underlying conditions like epilepsy. Working with a neurologist or a therapist who understands both epilepsy and conversion disorder could provide strategies to manage or prevent these episodes, helping her regain stability more quickly.

[@Skeddidoodles]

Does any one have any experience with echolalia or palilalia that goes with their disorder or have heard of it happening co-occurring?

[@CrankyPantss]

That’s very interesting. I’ve never heard the term “conversion disorder”. How is it different from a psychosomatic illness?

[@ThatsWhy-]

The excess load on parasympathetic system transverse to somatic system to expel it (A.ch) through different physical manifestations

[@ashroman6163]

It’s quite a frustrating disorder. It’s your brain shutting your body down, but there’s nothing wrong with your brain. And when your loved ones are terrified and hospitalize you because you can’t move or speak, all of the medical workers treat you like you’re wasting their time. And when the doctor diagnoses it as conversion disorder, they basically say there’s nothing that can be done.. So, it can happen again any time in the future, even with treatment.

[@stars9356]

@@ashroman6163 isn’t that like functional Neurological Disorder

[@ladyserenity5]

@@stars9356 It's the same thing. FND is the newer term.

[@EDaniels514]

@@ashroman6163 omg yes! My bf always tells me he's going to call 911 😢 I was diagnosed back when I was in high school. And now as an adult with 3 children it's back. And has been effecting me so bad I can't work some days. And I never know how long an episode will be. 😣

[@ladymuck2]

What about falling asleep during a stressful phone call?

[@alansalam7714]

As if no specialist of psychological disorders such as wanting day and night to sleep ! Always SLEEPY .. not sufficient to sleep and some disorders like PERSONALITY disorders no way but serotonin reuptake inhibitor famous and useful.but unfortunately even SSRI selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor not sufficient enough need more such as tranquilizers I want to always to sleep always sleepier than know why I want to sleep day and night not aware of anything just to sleep no good health enough it's very cycle so I don't want even to listen to watch anything I want only to sleep why I didn't know this is kind of personality disorder

[@jamiegardiner2831]

Sounds like Non Epileptic Disorder

[@ritzpiano8774]

Although there are non epileptic seizure, i believe its not similar with NED

[@shennaki8517]

It is very different because it’s mostly trauma related

[@karatecat46]

Not the same

[@2Camelpofthewind]

I had them and I'm still so embarrassed. People qt work saw me have one and after that people never treated me the same.

[@jodymortimer5014]

i have this im 52 old man

[@jonathanlindsey7623]

How does it exist? Failure to perform duties.

[@MedicalCentric]

Conversion disorder is a complex condition where psychological stressors manifest as physical symptoms without any underlying medical cause. It is not a deliberate failure to perform duties but rather a subconscious expression of emotional distress. Individuals with conversion disorder may experience symptoms such as paralysis, tremors, or blindness that cannot be explained by a neurological or medical condition. The mind, under extreme stress, converts emotional struggles into physical manifestations. Treatment often involves psychotherapy to address the underlying psychological factors contributing to the conversion symptoms. It's essential for individuals experiencing conversion disorder to seek professional help to understand and manage the condition effectively.

[@jonathanlindsey7623]

@@MedicalCentric could conversion syndrome exist if thoracic outlet syndrome didn't exist?

[@grateful9672]

Cause body aches out of nowhere

[@MedicalCentric]

Sorry about the condition. I hope you have visited a doctor?