PSYCH 115 Lecture Notes - Lecture 25: Conversion Disorder, Malingering, Comorbidity
Document Summary
Full name: conversion disorder (functional neurological symptom disorder) Key feature: altered motor or sensory function that is inconsistent with neural/medical conditions and not better explained by another disorder. Often suggestive of neurological problem, but no such problem is detected. May display indifferent attitude toward symptoms ( la belle indifference ) Not deliberately faking symptoms for the purpose of concrete gains (malingering) One or more symptoms of altered motor or sensory function. Rare condition, with a chronic intermittent course. Often comorbid with anxiety and mood disorders. Common in some cultural and/or religious groups. Freudian psychodynamic view is still common, though unsubstantiated. Past trauma or unconscious conflict is converted to a more acceptable manifestation, i. e. , physical symptoms. Freud thought primary gain was the escape from dealing with a conflict. More common in lower education, lower ses. Patients likely to adopt symptoms with which they are already familiar. If onset after a trauma, may need to process trauma or treat posttraumatic symptoms.
