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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffConversion disorder is a condition in which you show psychological stress in physical ways. Conversion disorder usually appears suddenly after a stressful event. For example, your leg may become paralyzed after falling from a horse even though you weren't hurt. Conversion disorder signs and symptoms appear with no underlying physical cause, and you can't control them.
Signs and symptoms of conversion disorder typically affect your movement or your senses, such as the ability to walk, swallow, see or hear. Conversion disorder symptoms can be severe, but for most people, they get better within a few weeks.
- Conversion disorder. In: First MB, et al. In: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV-TR. 4th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; 2000. http://www.psychiatryonline.com. Accessed Nov. 28, 2008.
- Stonnington CM, et al. Conversion disorder. American Journal of Psychiatry. 2006;163:1510.
- Chew K. Conversion disorder. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2009: Instant Diagnosis and Treatment. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/115619319-3/788576277/1701/146.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-04134-8..50006-9--subchapter42_3054. Accessed Jan. 1, 2009.
- Conversion disorder. In: Moore D, et al. Moore & Jefferson: Handbook of Medical Psychiatry. 2nd ed. Philadelphia. Pa.: Mosby; 2004.http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/115619319-3/788576277/1243/93.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-02911-6..50093-2_871. Accessed Jan. 1, 2009.
