Have you or a loved one ever experienced physical symptoms—like tremors, paralysis, or even blackouts—yet every medical test comes back clear? You're not alone. Conversion disorder is a condition in which emotional conflict expresses itself through the body. It's real, it's distressing, and it deserves serious attention.

At Dr. Mitali Soni Loya’s Psychiatry & Deaddiction Clinic in Bhopal, we help individuals make sense of their symptoms and begin healing from within. With compassionate care and science-backed treatments, you can take control of your mind and body again.

What Is Conversion Disorder?

Also known as Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder (FND) or Dissociative Conversion Disorder, conversion disorder occurs when psychological stress manifests as physical symptoms that cannot be explained by medical tests or neurological conditions.

These symptoms are involuntary—not imagined or faked—and often reflect underlying emotional trauma or stress. The brain essentially redirects psychological conflict into physical form, such as paralysis, tremors, or speech loss.

Conversion Disorder Symptoms: How It Manifests

Conversion disorder can affect nearly any part of the body, and symptoms often resemble neurological conditions. Recognizing the signs early is key:

  • Muscle Weakness or Paralysis: Sudden onset, often following stress or trauma

  • Seizure-like Episodes: Convulsions with no neurological origin

  • Sensory Loss: Vision, hearing, or tactile sensations may be impaired

  • Speech Disturbances: Slurred speech, mutism, or sudden loss of voice

  • Tremors or Jerky Movements: Involuntary and non-epileptic in nature

  • Gait Abnormalities: Trouble walking without any identifiable physical issue

These symptoms often worsen under emotional strain and disrupt everyday functioning.

Types of Conversion Disorder

Symptoms are classified into different categories based on how they affect the body:

  • Motor Type: Weakness, abnormal movements, and difficulty walking

  • Sensory Type: Sudden blindness, numbness, or loss of sensation

  • Seizure Type: Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) that mimic epilepsy

  • Speech Type: Stuttering, voice loss, or speech inconsistencies not due to injury

Recognizing the types of conversion disorder allows for a customized treatment strategy that targets the affected functions.

Causes of Conversion Disorder: Emotional Roots

Conversion disorder often originates from unresolved emotional distress:

  • Psychological trauma: History of abuse, accidents, or personal loss

  • Prolonged stress: Career, academic, or relationship stressors

  • Repressed emotions: Inability to express feelings in a healthy way

  • Mental health conditions: Coexisting anxiety, depression, or PTSD

These stressors overload the nervous system, translating into physical symptoms.

Conversion Disorder ICD-10 Classification

According to the ICD-10:

  • F44.4 – With motor symptoms

  • F44.5 – With seizures or convulsions

  • F44.6 – Other dissociative presentations

How is Conversion Disorder diagnosed?

A comprehensive diagnostic process helps distinguish conversion disorder from physical illnesses:

  • Neurological tests: To rule out structural damage or disease

  • Imaging scans: MRI or CT scans help eliminate physical causes

  • Psychiatric assessment: Identifies emotional conflicts or mental health issues

Early diagnosis ensures timely and effective treatment.

Conversion Disorder Treatment: Holistic and Individualized Care

A multidisciplinary approach is often the most effective:

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a cornerstone of conversion disorder treatment. It helps patients identify emotional conflicts, restructure irrational thought patterns, and build resilience. Through targeted sessions, patients learn how their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors interact—enabling long-term recovery.

2. Physical and Occupational Therapy

These therapies address physical symptoms by helping patients retrain motor functions and improve coordination. Customized movement plans support regaining control over affected body parts, and therapists guide patients to gradually re-engage in daily activities with confidence.

3. Medication

While there is no direct medication for conversion disorder itself, pharmacological treatment can be beneficial when coexisting mental health issues are present. Antidepressants or anxiolytics may reduce psychological distress, enabling more effective participation in therapy.

4. Psychoeducation and Support

Informing patients and families about conversion disorder builds trust and reduces stigma. When individuals realize their symptoms are not fabricated but emotionally driven, it fosters hope and commitment to recovery. Support systems also play a key role in long-term success.

How to Treat Conversion Disorder at Home?

Complementary home-based practices enhance clinical interventions. Recommended activities include:

  • Breathing exercises to ease anxiety
  • Mindfulness and meditation to support emotional regulation
  • Journaling to uncover suppressed thoughts
  • Yoga and light physical activity to reconnect with the body

Maintaining a structured, calming routine can contribute significantly to healing.

Can You Recover from Conversion Disorder?

Yes. Many patients improve significantly with timely intervention. Positive outcomes depend on:

  • Early diagnosis and appropriate care

  • Strong therapeutic alliance with healthcare providers

  • Emotional and social support systems

Follow-up sessions and continued care can help avoid relapses and maintain well-being.

When to Seek Help?

If you or someone you care about experiences unexplained seizures, numbness, or paralysis, and no physical cause is found, consult a psychiatrist.

Dr. Mitali Soni Loya’s Psychiatry & Deaddiction Clinic in Bhopal provides:

  • Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation

  • Personalized and holistic treatment plans

  • Continued emotional support for long-term wellness

Take the First Step: Book your consultation today and begin your healing journey.

Start Your Recovery with Expert Support

Conversion disorder is proof of how closely the mind and body are connected. But with compassionate psychiatric care, personalized treatment, and community support, recovery is possible.

Reach out to Dr. Mitali Soni Loya today. Your journey toward emotional and physical balance starts now.