Conversion Disorder - 860 Words

Conversion disorder is a medical condition where its sufferers present neurological symptoms such as paralysis, numbness, blindness or fits without a known neurological trigger. Conversion disorder, formerly known as hysteria is considered a psychiatric disorder by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which classifies it as a somatoform disorder. Contrary, World Health Organization’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) classifies it as a dissociative disorder. The diagnosis of this neurological disorder has been problematic in the past, since doctors have conceptually and practically differentiated its symptoms from those of neurological diseases for which it is known to be. Most psychologists have†¦show more content†¦The diagnosis of conversion disorder involves three elements all of which present some degree of controversy. These three elements are: the exclusion of neurological disease, feigning and finally the determination of a psychological mechanism. During the first stage, conversion disorder may resemble neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, stroke or epilepsy therefore they must be carefully excluded through appropriate examinations. In rare cases, patients with neurological disease may also have conversion disorder, which further complicates the determination of the degree of the conversion disorder in the patient. Exclusion of conscious simulation is only possible where a patient confesses or is caught ou t in a broader deception. Lastly, establishment of a psychological mechanism is the most difficult aspect of conversion disorder diagnosis. DSM-IV recommends that clinicians assume preceding stressors to be associated with the progress of the disorder which is still a subject of debate. Notably, cultural influences have been noted to affect the somatoform disorders. Cultures such as the Puerto Rican and the Greek are known to report higher rates of somatization disorders among the men than is the case in the United States. In addition, cases of somatization disorders are less common among persons with higher levels of education compared to the less educated. According to Robert (2002), rates are higher outside of the west, which can be attributed toShow MoreRelatedConversion Disorder And Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder954 Words   |  4 Pages Conversion Disorder/Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder Abstract Functional Neurological Disorder Symptoms also known as conversion disorder, is a disorder that doctors say isn’t a real disorder that patients seem to make up. The appearance of conversion disorder is often related to traumas or even milder stressors such as the loss of employment or divorce. The following essay will give a general breakdown of what the conversion disorder is, what the symptoms are, the pathophysiologyRead MoreConversion Disorder Is A Mental Health Condition924 Words   |  4 PagesConversion disorder is a mental health condition in which a person suddenly has blindness, paralysis, or other nervous system symptoms that cannot be explained by medical evaluation. Conversion disorder is known by many other names such as, functional neurological symptom disorder, pseudo neurologic syndrome, hysterical neurosis, somatoform disorders, hysteria, and psychogenic disorder. All of these names stem from a mental condition that shows psychological stress in physical way s, also known asRead MoreIs Treating Homosexuality Ethical and Effective1940 Words   |  8 PagesIts effectiveness as well as the ethics involved stir up much debate. 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Furthermore, a research design to examine the relationship between minors who undergo conversion therapy and self-esteem is exploredRead MoreConversion Therapy And Its Effects On The Lgbtq Community1218 Words   |  5 PagesAbout 30 years ago, homosexuality was declassified as a mental disorder. It would be assumed that treatments for to change homosexuality would end. However, conversion therapy is still being used today, even our future Vice President, Mike Pence, believes in such treatment. That alone is a huge threat to people of the LGBTQ+ community. Conversion therapy is affecting the LGBTQ+ community greatly. Conversion therapy can be defined as â€Å"psychological interventions, from behavioral methods to psychoanalyticRead MoreThe Psychology Of Conversion Therapy1874 Words   |  8 Pagesstart to think of the effects of correcting or convert someone’s behavior to a more â€Å"favorable† one. 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Leslie stated how her children suffered from psychological disorders, yet the children were so well dressed and looked healthy, that the community never questioned their illnesses. Throughout all these statements, Chris was told that Leslie would handle all the bills and treatments, so he did not have to worry aboutRead MoreAre You Insane Or Insane?875 Words   |  4 Pageshave used this term in some fashion or another. What is interesting about this term is that it is not a mental disorder, it is a legal term that is used in the court system to describe a defendant in a trail. The Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition says, â€Å"Insane is a medically obsolete term for mental derangement or a disorder. Insanity is now a purely legal term, denoting a condition due to which a person lacks criminal responsibility