Do you sometimes feel like you're experiencing all sorts of discomforts and illnesses for no apparent reason? Imagine, suddenly losing control of your arms or legs, suddenly starting to shake, sometimes losing your sight, or being unable to speak. No matter how many tests doctors do, they say, "We don't have any evidence to say this is a physical illness." At such times, we need to think a little deeper about this condition called `(Conversion Disorder).` Although this is actually related to mental health, the physical symptoms it causes are not fake, they are real things.
What exactly is Conversion Disorder?
Simply put, `(Conversion Disorder)` is a condition in which the functioning of the brain or nervous system is disrupted due to some influence on your mental health, resulting in physical symptoms. What happens here is that something like mental stress, trauma, etc. is "converted" into a physical sign. The important thing is that these symptoms are real. This is not something you are faking or doing to get attention from others. Also, this is not just something in your mind. These symptoms cannot be controlled by just thinking.
Remember, ``Conversion Disorder`` is a real mental illness. The physical discomforts it causes are real.
What is the difference between Conversion Disorder and Somatic Symptom Disorder?
Both of these conditions fall into the same category in the American Psychiatric Association's (DSM-5) classification of mental disorders. This means that there are many similarities between the two, and sometimes they can even coexist.
In Somatic Symptom Disorder, you have one or more symptoms that cause significant disruption and discomfort in your life. As a result, you:
- I'm always thinking about those symptoms.
- I am constantly worried and afraid about those symptoms.
- They spend an extraordinary amount of time and effort on those symptoms.
However, the main feature of `(Conversion Disorder)` is that you develop one or more symptoms that seem to be related to the brain. These can be so disruptive that you cannot carry out your normal activities. However, no neurological disease can be found that can explain these symptoms.
Who is most likely to be affected by this situation?
Conversion Disorder can occur at any age, even in very young children. However, some symptoms are more common in certain age groups. For example, symptoms such as seizures are most common in people between the ages of 20 and 29, and other symptoms related to body movements are most common in people between the ages of 30 and 39. It has also been found that the condition is more common in women .
This is not a very common condition. Experts say that between four and twelve people out of every hundred thousand are diagnosed with ``Conversion Disorder`` each year.
How does Conversion Disorder affect my body?
In this condition, physical symptoms occur due to changes in the way your brain works. Special scans, such as a functional MRI, can look at the brain activity of people with this condition and show whether the areas of the brain that are associated with those symptoms are functioning less or have changed abnormally. This is not something that someone can fake.
What are the symptoms of Conversion Disorder?
Symptoms can vary greatly depending on which part of the brain is affected. Here are some of the most common symptoms:
- Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES): Seizures are usually caused by a problem with the structure or function of the brain. However, this type of seizure, called PNES, is caused by a mental health problem.
- Sensory disturbances: Disturbances in the senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch can occur. For example, seeing two images at once, tunnel vision, loss of hearing, tingling, and loss of sensation when something touches the skin.
- Pain: People with Conversion Disorder may experience constant pain. Sometimes it may be accompanied by other symptoms, sometimes it may be just pain.
- Abnormal muscle tightness, twitching, twitching, and shaking: These are all caused by a change in the way your brain controls your muscles.
- Conditions such as muscle weakness or paralysis.
- Difficulty swallowing (Dysphagia).
- Dizziness.
- Feeling cold or fainting (Syncope).
- Chronic fatigue or lack of energy.
But the strange thing is, even though some people have such severe symptoms, they don't seem to be very worried or scared about it. They're like, 'What's that?' Doctors call this "la belle indifference." But this isn't something everyone has, and it can't be considered a symptom.
What are the causes of Conversion Disorder?
Experts still don't know exactly what causes it. However, they have found that it is associated with certain conditions and medical conditions. The most common conditions are:
- Being sexually, physically, or mentally abused as a child.
- Having other mental health conditions, especially depression or anxiety .
- A recent severe stress or traumatic event.
- A recent physical illness or event may have been a trigger for the onset of Conversion Disorder.
This condition is not contagious. That means you cannot catch it from other people, nor can you spread it to others.
How is Conversion Disorder diagnosed?
Your doctor will diagnose this condition by combining a number of factors, including physical and neurological examinations, diagnostic tests, and scans. To be diagnosed with ``Conversion Disorder``, all four of these factors must be met:
1. You must have one or more symptoms related to the brain that controls your movements or sensations.
2. Your symptoms should not exactly match other medically recognized conditions.
3. Your symptoms must not be explained by any other physical condition or mental problem.
4. These symptoms or problems must interfere with your daily life, especially work and social relationships.
What does "incompatibility" mean?
In `(Conversion Disorder),` it is a very important feature that your symptoms "do not fit" with a recognized medical condition. Your doctor will have to look for ways that your symptoms do not fit with other known illnesses. This does not mean that they do not believe you, nor that your symptoms are lying. In fact, finding such inconsistencies is what helps to accurately diagnose `(Conversion Disorder).` That is, they can confirm that you do not have a more serious brain disease that may be more serious.
What tests are done to diagnose this condition?
Your doctor will decide what tests to do based on your symptoms. The following tests are usually recommended:
- Blood tests (these can check for things like immune system problems, toxins, and certain metals).
- `(Computerized Tomography - CT) Scan`.
- Electroencephalogram (EEG) (a test that looks at the electrical patterns of the brain).
- Electromyogram (EMG) (a test that checks the function of muscles and nerves).
- `Evoked potentials test` (a test that looks at how the brain responds to sensations).
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan.
How is Conversion Disorder treated? Can it be cured?
Because Conversion Disorder is a mental health condition that causes physical symptoms, treatment focuses primarily on the psychological side. Psychotherapy is usually the first step, and is also the most effective approach. The most commonly used psychotherapy methods are:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This is the most recommended and most effective form of therapy. It helps you change your thoughts, feelings, and behavior patterns.
- Hypnotherapy: This is sometimes used as a second option. It can be especially helpful for people who have speech difficulties or sensory-related symptoms.
- Group or family counseling: Group counseling allows you to share experiences with others who are going through similar problems and receive support from them. Family counseling helps your loved ones understand your situation and guide you in helping them.
In addition to this, there are other treatments that can help:
- Physical Therapy: Although ``Conversion Disorder`` begins with a psychological cause, the physical effects are real. Physical therapy can help you recover from or adapt to those physical symptoms.
- Medication: If you have other conditions, such as depression or anxiety, along with Conversion Disorder, medications for those conditions may also help relieve Conversion Disorder symptoms. Antidepressants can help, especially with symptoms that involve pain.
- Biofeedback: This is an alternative medicine method. In this, you teach yourself to change the way your body works. Using equipment, you measure your body's activity and are trained to make changes based on those responses.
The complications or side effects that may occur with these treatments, especially with medications, vary depending on the treatment. Your doctor is the best person to explain this to you.
How do I take care of myself/manage symptoms?
`(Conversion Disorder)` can be difficult to diagnose even for an experienced doctor. The symptoms that accompany this condition are very similar to the symptoms of dangerous, life-threatening diseases such as `(Stroke)` that affect the brain. Therefore, never try to diagnose this condition yourself or treat it yourself. Always seek medical advice.
How long it will take for me to feel better after starting treatment, as this is a mental health condition, depends on many factors. Your doctor is the best person to give you an idea of this.
Can I prevent conversion disorder?
Conversion Disorder is a mental health condition that occurs unexpectedly. Therefore, there is no specific way to prevent it or reduce the risk of developing it.
What happens if I have Conversion Disorder?
This condition can have a big impact on your life, depending on the symptoms you have. Many people are unable to hold down a job, do daily activities, or engage in hobbies due to severe symptoms.
Many people struggle with how they feel about this condition and how others treat them. They often experience feelings like, "No one believes me," "Everyone thinks I'm lying and acting out," and they may even stop seeking treatment, especially if they receive such reactions from doctors.
Conversion Disorder can last for many years. Some people have an acute case that lasts for less than six months, while others have a persistent case that lasts for more than six months. Sometimes it is a temporary, short-term problem, especially in children. However, for people with severe symptoms, who do not seek treatment, or who do not follow treatment properly, it can last for years, even a lifetime.
What is the outlook for Conversion Disorder?
This is not a life-threatening or directly dangerous condition, but it can have a significant impact on your overall mental health and well-being.
The probability of a good result decreases:
- If you delay seeking medical advice.
- If they refuse to admit that they have this condition.
- If you don't have a good relationship or communication with your doctor.
- If you do not follow the treatment plan recommended by the doctor properly.
The best outcome is complete recovery. As a person improves their mental health and well-being, the disruptions in the brain can be reduced or even completely eliminated.
How can I take care of myself?
While it may be difficult to understand how your mental health can cause physical symptoms, it's important to remember that this is true for many other illnesses. Think about it, stress, anxiety, and fear can worsen conditions like ulcers, high blood pressure, and heart disease, right?
If you have `(Conversion Disorder),` the best thing you can do is work with your doctor and follow their treatment recommendations. Many people find this diagnosis difficult to accept. If you feel the same way, you are not alone.
If you're having a hard time accepting this diagnosis, talk to your doctor about it. Building a strong, open relationship with your doctor is one of the most important things you can do to help.
Also, do these things:
- Go to the doctor as recommended.
- Participate in counseling sessions (physical therapy, psychological counseling) and actively contribute.
- If medications have been prescribed, take them exactly as prescribed.
Progress is progress!
Recovery and improvement from mental health conditions is rarely a straight line. It is normal to go through periods of difficult recovery. Sometimes your problems or symptoms may get worse instead of better. This is very normal. This does not mean that you are a failure or that your situation is hopeless.
If you're having this kind of difficulty, talk to your doctor. They can give you medical advice on your path to recovery. They can also suggest strategies that can help you overcome these obstacles and difficult times.
When should I seek emergency treatment?
People with conversion disorder are more likely to have other mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. They are also at higher risk of attempting suicide.
If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, committing suicide, or harming others, you should seek emergency medical attention immediately. If you are having these thoughts, in Sri Lanka, you can call 1926 (the National Mental Health Helpline) or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
How can I help a loved one with Conversion Disorder?
If someone close to you has Conversion Disorder, your support can make a big difference in their recovery and the outcome of their treatment. Here are some "do's" and "don'ts" to keep in mind:
Things to do:
- Accept them, listen to them: Conversion Disorder is a real medical condition. People with it may often feel like others don't believe them. This feeling can prevent them from seeking help. Feeling like someone believes them is a great incentive for them to seek treatment.
- Ask how you can help: People with Conversion Disorder can feel very lonely and isolated. Knowing that someone is willing to help can make a big difference. You can also encourage them to continue seeking treatment when they are struggling.
- Learn more about their condition, be open to supporting them: Your loved one's doctor may want to talk to you about the condition. Your loved one or their doctor may ask you if you would like to attend a counseling session. Try to attend, as what you learn will help you support your loved one.
Things not to do:
- Don't accuse them of faking it: Accusing them of faking symptoms of a real, recognized condition called ``Conversion Disorder'' can cause your loved one a lot of pain and stress.
- Don't say, "It's just in your mind": The effects of mental health don't just exist inside a person's head. Researchers and experts have proven that mental health issues affect a person's entire body, and some can cause severe and frightening physical symptoms.
- Don't forget to take care of yourself: Like many other medical conditions, loved ones of people with Conversion Disorder can also experience stress. Don't forget to take care of your own health and well-being. If you can't take care of yourself, you won't be able to help someone else properly.
Finally, something to consider.
Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder, or more commonly known as Conversion Disorder, is a condition in which a mental health problem causes physical symptoms. The condition is real, and the symptoms are not something a person can control. Unfortunately, many people with this condition feel that others – especially medical professionals – do not believe them. This can lead them to avoid seeking medical treatment that could help them, which usually makes their symptoms worse.
If you have `(Conversion Disorder)`, or if your doctor suspects you may have the condition, it is normal to feel scared or worried about what it means. If you are worried about this, or if you are wondering whether your doctor believes you, the best thing to do is to tell your doctor. Your doctor's role is not to judge you. Their role is to find out what is happening to you, why it is happening, and then try to treat it. If your doctor is aware of your worries and fears, they will be able to listen to you and offer support, advice, or solutions to help put your mind at ease.
` Conversion Disorder, Mental Health, Physical Symptoms, Neurological Symptoms, Psychotherapy, Stress, Somatoform Disorders
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