By Dr Zulfikar BuxAssistant Professor of Emergency MedicineConversion disorder, also called “Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder” is a mental conditionDr Zulfikar Buxthat is slowly gaining ground in the modern world. It is a condition where one has physical symptoms that no medical condition, physical examination or testing can explain.The person is not “faking.” The symptoms do not appear to be under the person’s conscious control and they can cause significant distress. Examples of symptoms are a loss of muscle control,Cheap NFL Jerseys China, blindness, deafness, seizures or even apparent loss of consciousness. It is usually brought on by a stressful situation.The symptoms of this disorder often involve lack of muscle control. Research suggests that some of these individuals have abnormalities in parts of the brain that register and regulate emotion and that interact with how they control their muscle movements.Conversion disorder is more common in women than in men. It occurs most frequently between adolescence and middle age. It is considered a condition of the modern world due to the increase in exposure to stress associated with the fast-paced life.A significant percentage of people with conversion disorder have another psychiatric problem, such as generalized anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder or some form of depression. There may have been a recent stress or trauma. People with the disorder also report a higher than average frequency of emotional or physical abuse during childhood.WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF THIS CONDITION?Conversion disorder is characterized by one or more symptoms that suggest a nervous system disorder. Examples include oor coordination or balanceAbnormal movementsParalysis or weaknessDifficulty speaking or swallowingRetention of urineLoss of touch or pain senseBlindness or other visual symptomsDeafnessSeizures, convulsions, fits or “attacks”Psychological factors, such as stress or conflict, are associated with the appearance of the physical symptoms.HOW IS THIS CONDITION DIAGNOSED?A doctor or a mental health professional may make a diagnosis of conversion disorder based on the person’s health history and a proper nervous system examination.Sometimes additional tests can clarify the diagnosis. These tests may include an electroencephalogram, which measures electrical activity in the brain,Cheap Jerseys From China, or an electromyogram, which measures how well nerve impulses are being conducted through muscle tissue.The doctor also tries to determine if any stress or conflict is at the root of the symptoms or if there are symptoms of another mental health problem, such as a mood disorder or a personality disorder.HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?The symptoms of conversion disorder usually do not last long. Generally, the more quickly the symptoms start, the more rapidly they go away. If the symptoms came about in response to a clearly defined stress, the symptoms are likely to last only a short time. More severe symptoms,NBA Jerseys China, such as paralysis or blindness,Wholesale NFL Jerseys, also may not last a long time because it is harder to sustain symptoms that interfere significantly with daily activities.A less severe symptom (such as a tremor) or a symptom that is repeated and limited (such as a seizure) can continue or come and go, depending on the person’s circumstances.IS THERE TREATMENT?There is no single best treatment for a conversion disorder. A physician is likely to be supportive and reassuring and will adjust treatment goals to the specific situation.Most physicians will explain the limits of what physical examination and testing was able to show about the symptoms. They try to avoid confronting the individual with the idea that the symptoms are “false,” because the symptoms are usually distressing and not within the person’s control. It is helpful to avoid overly intrusive, uncomfortable medical testing, while continuing to monitor the symptoms.Symptoms sometimes go away on their own after stress has been reduced, conflict has been resolved or the family or community has responded with a show of concern and support. If symptoms do not improve relatively quickly, more vigorous rehabilitation may be required. Physical or occupational therapy can be helpful.Counselling from a psychiatrist is usually the mainstay of treatment. If the source of conflict or stress can be determined,Cheap NFL Jerseys China, it may be helpful to gain insight into what triggered the symptoms. For example, the person may be in conflict about leaving home, starting a new job or having a first child.The Psychiatrist will help the person to either learn to deal with the conflict or retreat from the source of distress. In either case, the physical symptoms may stop. Functioning remains a higher priority than insight. There is no single medication that is best for this disorder. Medication may be helpful to treat an underlying problem with anxiety or depression.WHAT IS THE LONG TERM OUTLOOK? The outlook for conversion disorder varies. It depends on the nature of the stress and on the symptoms.Most symptoms of conversion disorder last a relatively short time. The more severe the symptoms, the more quickly they tend to disappear. However, the appearance of the disorder may indicate either that the person has persistent trouble coping with stress and conflict or the presence of another mental health problem that may require ongoing treatment.Family members are very important for persons with this condition. Their support and reassurance helps to relieve the stressed individual who really thinks he/she is sick. They should work with the psychiatrist to reassure the individual that he/she is not sick and that their condition is because of the stress around them. The earlier someone with conversion disorder gains closure,Wholesale Jerseys China, the faster their symptoms will disappear. |
