How long does conversion disorder last

Some of these criteria include:. The tests that are performed are primarily to rule out any medical conditions that may be causing your symptoms. Some tests may include:. Conversion disorder can have similar symptoms to a number of other medical conditions. The main complication of conversion disorder is a disability caused by the symptoms. This disability can be similar to a disability caused by a medical condition.

The primary method of preventing conversion disorder is to find ways to relieve stress and to avoid emotional trauma when possible. Some preventive measures may include:. You may be unable to control some of these areas.

Any reduction in stress and emotional trauma can be effective in helping to prevent conversion disorder. They may even stop after a day or two. If you do have conversion disorder, the earlier you start treatment the better your outcome.

With proper treatment, your symptoms will eventually stop occurring or may not reoccur at all. Somatic symptom disorder is a mental illness that causes people to experience physical symptoms without an underlying cause. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

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Recent Blog Articles. Health news headlines can be deceiving. The specific type of treatment depends on the particular signs and symptoms of the disorder and may include: [2] [7] Counseling psychotherapy Hypnosis Physical therapy Occupational therapy Treatment of related physical or psychological stressors. Prognosis Prognosis. Research Research. Clinical Research Resources ClinicalTrials. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials. Please note: Studies listed on the ClinicalTrials.

We strongly recommend that you talk with a trusted healthcare provider before choosing to participate in any clinical study. Patient Registry A registry supports research by collecting of information about patients that share something in common, such as being diagnosed with Conversion disorder.

The type of data collected can vary from registry to registry and is based on the goals and purpose of that registry. Some registries collect contact information while others collect more detailed medical information.

Learn more about registries. Organizations Organizations. Organizations Supporting this Disease. FND Hope E-mail: contact fndhope.

Fairfax Dr. Social Networking Websites. Do you know of an organization? Learn More Learn More. MedlinePlus was designed by the National Library of Medicine to help you research your health questions, and it provides more information about this topic. NORD is a patient advocacy organization for individuals with rare diseases and the organizations that serve them.

In-Depth Information Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free. Conversion Disorders Pediatric Conversion Disorder Conversion Disorder in Emergency Medicine The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health.

Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition. PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Conversion disorder.

Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic. Treatment can provide reassurance and support during times when symptoms occur, and may help to identify and address the underlying psychological cause for the condition. Q: Is conversion disorder a disability? A: The United States Social Security Administration recognizes somatic symptoms and related disorders as a disability. Q: Can conversion disorder be cured?

This may involve a combination of counseling, psychotherapy, hypnosis, physical therapy and occupational therapy. Q: Can conversion disorder be fatal?

A: It is not typical for the symptoms of conversion disorder to be fatal. They can, however, be debilitating and cause significant distress. People experiencing possible symptoms of conversion disorder should speak to a doctor. Q: Can conversion disorder cause seizures? A: Yes, seizures can be a symptom of conversion disorder.

Classed as psychogenic nonepileptic seizures PNES , they tend to resemble those experienced as a result of epilepsy, but are not caused by a disturbance in the electrical activity of the brain.

Instead, PNES are caused by emotional or psychological distress. Q: Can conversion disorder come and go? A: Yes, it is typical for the symptoms of conversion disorder to last for between a number of days and a few weeks and suddenly disappear. Q: Can conversion disorder cause hallucinations? A: Yes, hallucinations can be a symptom of conversion disorder. People experiencing hallucinations should seek medical attention urgently.