Do I Have Conversion Disorder?

Do you experience movements that you can’t control (e.g., tremors)?

Do you experience tunnel vision or blindness?

Do you experience loss of smell or speech?

Do you experience numbness, weakness or paralysis?

Do you experience balance issues?

Do you experience swallowing difficulty (feeling like there’s a lump in your throat)?

Do you experience partial or total hearing loss?

Based on your answers, it is very unlikely that you have conversion disorder. Conversion disorder occurs when mental or emotional distress leads to physical symptoms without an actual physical condition. People with conversion disorder can’t control their physical response, which usually involves one’s senses or motor control. So, the person experiences a stressful or traumatic event, and the body responds with symptoms, for example tremors and paralysis. The symptoms are likely to start at the time of the stressful event, and they will also stop abruptly. In case you want to know more about the disorder, it may be useful to plan a visit to your doctor.

Based on your answers, you may be displaying some symptoms related to conversion disorder. It may be useful to plan a visit to your doctor. Conversion disorder is mostly caused by extreme stress, trauma or depression. Your body responds to something you perceive as a threat. There are no specific tests that diagnose conversion disorder. The tests that your doctor will perform, are mostly to rule out any medical problems that may be the cause of your symptoms. These tests are important because conversion disorder may have similar symptoms to other medical conditions.

Unfortunately, you are displaying the symptoms typically seen among individuals who have conversion disorder. Seeking medical help is of high importance. Conversion disorder may develop when mental or emotional distress leads to physical symptoms without an actual physical condition. The symptoms of conversion disorder usually stop after a few weeks, sometimes even after a few days. However, receiving treatment as soon as symptoms develop is very important. With the right treatment your symptoms will stop occurring or may not reoccur at all. To prevent conversion disorder, it may be important to find ways to relieve stress and to avoid trauma when possible.