Conversion Disorder Case Study

Conversion Disorder The last category of somatoform disorder being discussed, and possibly the complex form of this disorder, is conversion disorder. Many case studies have been published speaking to the conceivable severity of this disorder. A conversion disorder is defined as, A disorder involving the loss or alteration of physical functioning, such as paralysis, voice loss, tunnel vision, or seizures, that is the result of a psychological involvement or need rather than a physical illness or disease. Also called conversion hysteria, conversion hysteria neurosis, conversion reaction (Stedman's Medical Dictionary, 2006). While there are many symptoms that are associated with conversion disorder, the most common reported are loss of sight,

However, in spite of the difficulty and how unpredictable person’s reaction to trauma may be, this should not denture health care professionals from further research. A more thorough understanding of the causes of this disorder is needed based on the given the seriousness of symptoms linked with its growth and

Elizabeth Waites’ book Trauma and Survival (1993), documented a relationship between the development of somatoforms disorder and social conflict in a group of Cambodian women who observed the tragedy, violence and havoc of war in their community. Shortly after the war, the women become blind. (Waites, 1993, p. 167). Yet, no there was not a physical explanation for their loss of sight. Although the researchers at first attributed their symptoms to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, they found that impaired sensory function is not often associated with this disorder. Therefore, somatoform disorder or more specifically conversion disorder appeared to be the plausible explanation for their