Conversion Disorder Research Paper

Conversion

Definition:
Conversion disorder is a mental disorder in which the person displays physical symptoms, such as seizures, blindness, or deafness without any medical cause. However, the person is not “faking” and the symptoms are very real to them.

Cause/Risk Factors:
Conversion disorder is due to a psychological stressor the person has experienced.

Risk factors include:
• Person who has an existing medical condition
• Abuse
• Dissociative disorder
• Extreme stress or traumatic event
• Existing mental condition such as depression or OCD
• Personality disorder
• More common in women

Signs & Symptoms:
• Debilitating symptom that occurs suddenly:
• Paralysis
• Blindness
• Seizures
• Loss of sensation
• Unable to speak
• Deafness
• Weakness

Nursing Interventions:
1. Assess symptoms and extent of conversion disorder – Rationale: Symptoms of conversion disorder vary in patients and knowing the extent can help in determining treatment.
2. Determine when the onset of symptoms occurred – Rationale: Pinpointing the day that symptoms started may help in determining the cause.
3. Obtain medical history – Rationale: It’s not uncommon for a person with conversion disorder to already have another mental disorder.
4. Determine if the patient is being treated for another disorder and if he/she is taking the prescribed medication – Rationale: If the patient has another mental disorder and has not been taking their medication, this can lead to other complications.
5. Assess patient’s level of stress – Rationale: Extreme stress is a common cause of conversion disorder.
6. Keep a calm environment and validate the patient’s feeling – Rationale: Symptoms of conversion are very real to the patient and can be very frightening.
7. Encourage participation in talk therapy – Rationale: This type of therapy can help reveal underlying problems and cause of disorder, and help the patient learn ways to