Dissociative disordersandconversion disorderare both mental health conditions.
While they are separate diagnoses, these conditions often occur together.
This article discusses the similarities and differences between dissociative disorders and conversion disorder.
Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
However, in some cases, the cause is not known.
What Are the Symptoms of Dissociative Disorders?
Each specific dissociative disorder has its own symptoms.
The symptoms are genuine and can cause distress and impairment.
This reference lists specific criteria that need to be met for a person to be diagnosed with certain conditions.
Dissociative disorders are diagnosed based on a persons history and symptoms.
Conversion disorder is also diagnosed based on a review of symptoms.
When Do These Conditions Occur?
While dissociative disorders and conversion disorder can occur at any age, they most commonly appear in adolescence.
Treating Dissociative and Conversion Disorders
Psychotherapyis a primary treatment for both dissociative and conversion disorders.
There are no medications that directly treat dissociative disorders or conversion disorder.
Symptoms of dissociative disorders can be recurrent, often increasing under stress.
Appropriate psychotherapy and psychiatric treatment can potentially decrease the frequency and severity of the symptoms and improve functioning.
Many people with conversion disorder fully recover.Physical symptoms can last as short as a few days or weeks.
However, these symptoms can also be recurrent or chronic (long-lasting).
Proper Treatment Is Important
Dissociative disorders and conversion disorder significantly impact a persons daily life.
The most important way to cope with these conditions is to seek appropriate treatment.
Summary
Dissociative disorders and conversion disorder are mental health conditions that can occur together.
Dissociative disorders cause a person to become disconnected from important aspects of their lives.
Conversion disorder causes physical symptoms that mimic neurological conditions.
Both conditions are treated with psychotherapy.
Other therapies can help restore function as the underlying psychological issues are addressed.
In some cases, medications are used to treatdepressionandanxietythat often occur with dissociative and conversion disorders.
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