Conversion disorder means that various mental distress (sadness, fear, shame, anger) turns into physical problems. It is commonly referred to as a nervous breakdown. Conversion disorder is a common mental disorder in our country. It is 2-3 times more common in women than in men. It can be seen at any age, it can rarely be seen in children, and it often occurs under the age of 20.
The most common symptom that causes a doctor to be consulted is fainting. Fainting may be in the form of symptoms such as epilepsy-like seizures, convulsions, and convulsions. In these cases of fainting, which worry the patient's relatives greatly, the patient is usually taken to the hospital. As a result of the examinations and research, it is said that there is no physical problem. Fainting that occurs during conversion differs from epileptic seizures. The patient usually faints in the presence of other people, falls slowly to the ground, and no injury or loss of consciousness is observed. What is said around They can hear but cannot respond. Fainting usually lasts a long time. Some people come to their senses by crying for a long time after this fainting. Sometimes, behaviors such as tearing their hair or becoming aggressive may be observed. Other symptoms that can be seen in conversion disorder are numbness in a part of the body, numbness, immobility (arm and leg not moving) or It is loss of strength, inability to speak, hoarseness, blindness, tremors in any part of the body, tremors or involuntary body movements (arm and leg beating).
Conversion disorder is the way some individuals react to various psychological stresses. The individual copes with the situation. It is the way of reaction to the situation when there are problems, environmental events (family arguments, family problems, exposure to violence, guilt or blame, anxiety, fear, regret). As a result of conversion symptoms, the person gets rid of his mental distress, and at the same time, the attitude of those around him may become more understanding and supportive due to his illness. For this reason, the disease can continue for a longer time. (We often see this in the conflict between daughter-in-law and mother-in-law)
The calm attitude of the family in conversion symptoms. Taking the patient to a quiet place will help in improving the symptoms. If the patient has an additional psychiatric diagnosis, the patient should be informed about the treatment and the stress factors that cause conversion symptoms. Discussion and resolution are necessary for its treatment.
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