Functional neurological symptom disorder is not very common. Four to twelve individuals out of every 100,000 are diagnosed with functional neurological symptom disorder each year. 

State University of New York at Albany

Functional neurological symptom disorder, also known as conversion disorder, is a psychological disorder that causes physical symptoms. With this disorder, mental health issues result in physical symptoms due to the brain converting them into disturbances of the brain or nervous system. Although the symptoms are real, they are inconsistent with known brain disorders. A patient with conversion disorder is not faking their symptoms nor seeking attention. The symptoms are not being imagined, nor can they be controlled by the patient.

Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder (Conversion Disorder)

Conversion disorder. (2022, July 7). Cleveland clinic. Retrieved February 8, 2024, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17975-conversion-disorder

Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder Reference

Symptoms of functional neurological symptom disorder (conversion disorder) depend on the brain regions that are the most affected. These are the most common symptoms of this disorder:

* Pain.
* Dizziness.
* Difficulty swallowing.
* Fainting.
* Disruptions in the senses. 
* Muscle weakness or paralysis.
* Persistent lethargy. 
* Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures.
* Uncommon muscle tightness, twitches, cramps, and tremors.

Symptoms of Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder (Conversion Disorder) 

* Biofeedback.
* Hypnotherapy.
* Family therapy.
* Physical therapy.
* Prescription medication.
* Cognitive behavioral therapy.


Treatments for Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder (Conversion Disorder)

The patient is diagnosed with functional neurological symptom disorder (conversion disorder) if the following occurs:
* The patient has one or more symptoms associated with their brain’s control over senses or motor control.
* The patient’s symptoms do not consist of known physical illness.
* There are no other physical or psychological explanations for the symptoms.
* The patients’ symptoms are causing impairment in their daily life.  


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