Conversion Symptoms

Abstract

CONVERSION symptoms are the relatively persistent losses or alterations in sensory or voluntary motor functioning that cannot be explained by known physical disorders or pathophysiologic mechanisms. Examples include paralysis, abnormal movements, aphonia, hypoesthesia, sensations of coldness or warmth, blindness, and deafness. Whether pain and disorders of the autonomic nervous system (such as fainting and vomiting) should be included in the definition of conversion is a matter of controversy.A conversion symptom can occur in isolation, as part of another psychiatric disorder, or as part of a medical or neurologic disorder. When the symptom occurs in isolation, the diagnostic label is . . .