Conversion disorder, also known as functional neurological symptom disorder, occurs when someone’s psychological distress presents in physical symptoms. It often occurs after some kind of emotional or mental crisis. The signs and symptoms may vary in severity, can be persistent or only happen in times of heightened emotional states.
Causes
It is thought that Conversion disorder occurs due to some kind of psychological conflict within the affected person. The symptoms are real, but often time’s doctors try to convince the person’s symptoms are all in their head. Generally, the signs and symptoms are the body’s attempt to resolve whatever internal conflict that person is dealing with.
Risk Factors
• Someone who has a mental illness (depression).…show more content… • Lack of concern in regards to severe symptoms
• Having a psychological condition that improves when conversion symptoms appear.
Treatment
Individual therapy – one on one therapy with a trained professional who helps the client address areas of distress and any changes in their life that may have led up to the onset of symptoms. The therapist will also help them work on mechanisms to decrease anxiety and better methods of coping when conflict occurs.
Physical Therapy – regular movement and exercises will help to prevent muscle stiffness or weakness if the physical symptoms are severe, like in instances of paralysis.
Transcranial Magnetic stimulation – this uses weak electrical currents to increase brain activity which may also alter the brain’s biochemistry. Early reports indicate improvement in client’s who use this form of therapy, but it is still early stages and requires further testing.
Medications – can help for a limited amount of time with memory and cognitive changes.
• Antianxiety – Valium (Diazepam), Librium (Chlordiazepoxide), and Xanax (Alprazolam)
• Antidepressants – Tofranil (Imipramine), Prozac (Fluoxetine), Paxil (Paroxetine) and Zoloft (Sertraline) and Elavil (Amitriptyline).
Treatment…show more content… The medication is to manage symptoms such as severe anxiety.
Nursing Interventions
1. Assess the clients VS, pain level and symptoms. Rationale: gives a future comparison in case the symptoms resolve or worsen. The client may also be experiencing physical pain.
2. Establish a supportive relationship with client that does not focus on the symptoms. Rationale: this diverts focus to the whole person and redirects the fixation with the illness.
3. Review all lab work, and diagnostic tests. Rationale: helps to rule out underlying causes that are not emotional in nature.
4. Convey to client that their symptoms are indeed real. Rationale: belittling the symptoms impedes client rapport and therapeutic care.
5. Encourage the client to identify and review emotional conflicts that may have precipitated the onset of symptoms. Rationale: creates a connection between a problem and the subsequent symptoms.
6. Support the client in performing self-care duties, and daily activities, but only assist if necessary. Rationale: intervening when they are capable reinforces negative and dependent