Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder (Conversion Disorder) from an Interactional Approach: A Composite Case Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 310-324
Author(s):  
Linda A.M. Dennis ◽  
Warwick D. Phipps
2016 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
pp. 102-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Yam ◽  
Tyler Rickards ◽  
Carey A. Pawlowski ◽  
Odette Harris ◽  
Ninad Karandikar ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Seyed Abolfazl Ghoreishi ◽  
Hoda As'adi

: The conversion disorder (CD) or functional neurological symptom disorder is a diagnostic category used in some psychiatric classification systems, which often refers to the patients presenting with neurological symptoms. Parkinson’s disease (PD) essentially affects non-motor and motor functions. The chronic use of levodopa, which is the primary treatment in this regard, has been reported to cause complications such as the wearing-off phenomenon. This problem may also increase the disease symptoms, as well as the patients’ need to receive higher doses of the drug to remain symptom-free for a longer period. This case study aimed to describe a 47-year-old male patient with PD and psychotic features, the symptoms of which had progressed in a conversional setup relating to particular visitation times. According to the examinations, CD was the main problem, which simulated the features of PD.


2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Robina Mahmood ◽  
Afreen Komal ◽  
Aftab Asif ◽  
Kiran Jawaid

AbstractFunctional Neurological Symptom Disorder, previously called as Conversion disorder, is very common psychological disorder in eastern countries like Pakistan. This case study is describing how psychosocial factors produce stress and made a young girl dysfunctional in all aspect of life. The patient F.Z was18 years old unmarried girl and educated up till intermediate. She was unemployed and last born among 6 siblings; 4 sisters and 2 brothers. She was brought to the psychiatry indoor ward with speech symptom; un-able to speak (aphonia), sensory symptom; could not see (psychogenic blindness) and more over since last few months she had paralysis of lower limbs. Apart from those symptoms she reported poor appetite, remained sad and tearful. She was assessed thro-ugh both informal and formal psychological assessmentIt was interpreted that she had insecure, disturbed childhood and had lots of stressors in her life which caused severe maladjustment, interpersonal conflict, feeling of rejection and loneliness. According to DSM-5 she was diagnosed with Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder with comorbid Depressive Symptoms. The intervention plan comprised of psychodynamic, behavioral and cognitive approaches; techniques include catharsis, free association, anxiety reduction techniques, cognitive restructuring, graded task, mastery and pleasure technique, family psycho-education along with physiotherapy and physical exercise. Thirteen (13) therapeutic sessions were conducted along with anti-depressants and the patient showed marked improvement in all areas of her daily life. Family was psycho-educated to bring her for follow-up sessions.


Author(s):  
Jon Stone ◽  
Michael Sharpe

Conversion disorder (now also called functional neurological symptom disorder) describes symptoms (of motor and sensory dysfunction such as limb weakness, tremor, visual loss, with or without ‘blackouts’), which can be positively identified as being inconsistent with neurological disease. The disorder is common in neurological services and frequently seen by psychiatrists working in such settings. It is often associated with chronic severe disability. The diagnosis previously hinged on the neurologist’s demonstration of the lack of disease and the psychiatrist’s hypothesis of a ‘conversion’ of stress into a physical symptom. It is now based on positive findings on neurological assessment supplemented by a psychiatric assessment to confirm the diagnosis. Comorbid anxiety and depression disorders are common. Treatment is multi-disciplinary. Explanation of the condition to the patient is a crucial initial step supplemented, where necessary, by psychological treatment (especially for dissociative or non-epileptic attacks) and physiotherapy for functional motor symptoms. The prognosis without treatment is poor once the disability is established.


2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 54-68
Author(s):  
Diana Rancourt ◽  
Jack Darkes

This case report describes the application of a dialectical behavioral therapy–informed psychotherapy approach to treating conversion disorder (functional neurological symptom disorder) with motor dysfunction in a Veterans Administration Health System Primary Care–Mental Health Integration Clinic. “Jane,” a 30-year-old veteran, was diagnosed with conversion disorder, major depressive disorder (MDD), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). She completed 25 sessions of treatment focused on improving emotion regulation and interpersonal skills over an 8-month period. At the end of treatment, Jane demonstrated improved motor ability and clinically significant improvements in her reported symptoms of MDD (per the Patient Health Questionnaire–9) and PTSD (per the PTSD Checklist–Civilian Version). This case report supports the conceptualization of conversion disorder as a function of emotion dysregulation and the application of a dialectical behavior therapy–informed treatment approach.


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