Conversion Disorder and Its Clinical Management

Abstract

This review discusses the complex path to the current definition of conversion disorder (CD), from ancient Egypt to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), and the way that our understanding of the disorder’s etiology and pathophysiology shaped both its name and its diagnostic criteria. We describe emergence of a comprehensive theory of CD’s pathophysiology, in which an overly sensitive limbic system, shaped by traumatic experiences, changes neural networks responsible for perceptual experiences and movement plans, ultimately producing CD symptoms. We also discuss the importance of early diagnosis of CD as a delayed diagnosis is associated with worse outcomes and precludes appropriate treatment. A variety of diagnostic techniques exist to help distinguish between functional neurologic symptoms and organic disease. Among treatments, we highly recommend therapeutic disclosure of the diagnosis and cognitive-behavioral therapy, which has a small but high-quality evidence base to support its use in the treatment of CD. Collaboration between psychiatrists and neurologists may ensure appropriate diagnosis and treatment of this challenging condition. Prognosis of CD is generally poor, with comorbid personality disorder and delayed diagnosis correlating with worse outcomes. This review contains 4 figures, 6 tables, and 86 references. Key words: conversion disorder, functional neurologic disorder, hysteria, medically unexplained symptoms, psychogenic movement disorder, psychogenic nonepileptic seizures