Posted by SLS on January 13, 2014, at 5:27:00
In reply to Conversion Hysteria (or whatever they call it now), posted by jono_in_adelaide on January 12, 2014, at 4:18:43
It is probably best to remove the word "hysteria"? It is too sexist. If one adheres to DSM IV nomenclature, "conversion disorder" is used to describe this. I understand that the DSM V has removed this diagnosis and those of the other somatoform disorders in favor of "Somatic Symptom Disorder" (SSD)
Hypochondriasis?
It is probably best to suggest that you are concerned that your friend might have a "somatoform disorder" of some sort. Conversion disorder is a type of somatoform disorder which presents as a loss of one or more senses (blindness, hearing loss, numbness, etc.), and even paralysis. I don't know much about the etiology of somatization except that it is very real to the sufferer. I wouldn't be surprised if it is found that the origin of the somatic sensations is actually a brain dysfunction that develops over time as a function of psychological or physical stress.
I agree with Alexandra_K's suggestion that someone with a somatoform disorder be given unconditional emotional support. Sometimes, the most that can be done is to have a professional help the patient to acknowledge and manage symptoms.
- ScottSome see things as they are and ask why.
I dream of things that never were and ask why not.- George Bernard Shaw
poster:SLS
thread:1058380
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20140104/msgs/1058444.html