🔴¿Qué es la HISTERIA? | Trastorno de Conversión: Causas, Diagnóstico y Tratamiento DSM 5

Understanding Conversion Disorder

Definition and Overview

• Conversion disorder, also known as functional neurological symptom disorder, is characterized by significant alterations in cognitive state, emotional regulation, or behavior that impact a person's functioning in social, work, or academic areas. These changes stem from psychosocial factors and can involve various symptoms.

Symptoms of Conversion Disorder

• Symptoms may include motor issues such as weakness or paralysis, abnormal movements, gait disturbances, and sensory loss (skin sensitivity, sight, hearing). Psychogenic crises with generalized abnormal jerks affecting limbs are also noted. Other symptoms can include reduced voice volume and sensations like a lump in the throat or double vision.

Diagnostic Criteria

• The diagnosis requires:

• One or more symptoms indicating alteration of motor function or voluntary sensation.

• Clinical findings showing incompatibility between symptoms and medical conditions (e.g., normal EEG during psychogenic crisis).

• Symptoms not better explained by another mental disorder or medical issue.

• Significant discomfort affecting personal relationships or work life.

Incidence and Demographics

• The incidence of conversion disorder ranges from 4 to 12 cases per 100,000 people globally; it affects about 5 to 15% of patients in clinical settings. It is more prevalent among adults aged 20 to 39 years and is notably more common in women than men. Historically referred to as hysteria due to its psychoanalytic roots linking internal conflicts to physical symptoms.

Causes and Treatment Approaches

• Causes often relate to stressful or traumatic experiences throughout life but particularly during childhood. Adaptive personality traits like emotional instability may contribute to the diagnosis.

• Effective treatments include:

• Clinical hypnosis aimed at managing stress effects on bodily functions.

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy focusing on stress management training.