4. A. One or more symptoms or deficits affecting voluntary motor or sensory function that suggest a neurological or other general medical condition. B. Psychological factors are judged to be associated with the symptom or deficit because the initiation or exacerbation of the symptom or deficit is preceded by conflicts or other stressors. C. The symptom or deficit is not intentionally produced or feigned Diagnostic criteria for 300.11 Conversion Disorder D. The symptom or deficit cannot, after appropriate investigation, be fully explained by a general medical condition, or by the direct effects of a substance, or as a culturally sanctioned behavior or experience. E. The symptom or deficit causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning or warrants medical evaluation. F. The symptom or deficit is not limited to pain or sexual dysfunction, does not occur exclusively during the course of Somatization Disorder, and is not better accounted for by another mental disorder.

5. The individual experiences a traumatic event The conflict and the resulting anxiety are unacceptable, the person represses the conflict. Anxiety increases and threatens to emerge into consciousness and the person “converts.” Individual receives attention and sympathy from loved ones, to try and avoid a difficult situation. The brain may be involved because it is a way of coping with something that seems like a threat.

6.  In a study of 34 children who developed conversion disorder  32% had a history of depression or sexual abuse.  44% had experienced a parental divorce, death, or violent quarrel. Rates of conversion disorder – 5%-14% of general hospital patients. – 5%-25% of psychiatric outpatients – Woman vs. man: 2:1

7. Family therapy is recommended for younger patients with family problems. Principal strategy is to identify and attend the traumatic or stressful life event. Discussing the stressful event with a counselor may help cope with the physical symptoms. Antidepressants may be used to speed recovery. Antidepressants may be helpful for patients with conversion disorder.

8. Symptoms usually last for days to weeks and may suddenly go away. More severe the symptoms, the more quickly they disappear. Mostly seen in women, due to being vulnerable.

9. A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia.(2012).Conversion Disorder. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001950/ Halgin, R.P. & Whitbourne, S.K. (2005).Abnormal psychology: clinical perspective on psychological disorder. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. Mayo Clinic Staff.(n.d.).Conversion Disorder. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/conversion-disorder/DS00877 Myers’, D.G. (2011).Myers’ psychology for ap. New York, NY: Worth Publishers.

10. Now that you have learned about conversion disorder, why do you think that human beings prefer to “convert” instead of dealing with their obstacles?