In other words, the physical symptoms distract the person from the emotional duress.

Conversion disorder typically affects movement function as well as the senses.

Conversion disorder may also be a psychological reaction to a highly stressful event or emotional trauma.

blurry vision

Markus Spiering / EyeEm / Getty Images

For example, a soldier who subconsciously wishes to avoid firing a gun may develop paralysis in their hand.

Treatment

Conversation disorder is not a lifelong disorder.

Because of this, these treatments should be viewed with caution.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences.Conversion disorder.

American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.5th ed.

2015;12(5-6):27-33.

National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences.

Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center.Conversion Disorder.2017.

2015;10(4):e0123273.

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0123273

Kaur J, Garnawat D, Ghimiray D, et al.Conversion disorder and physical therapy.Delhi Psychiatry J.

2012;15(2):394397.