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Somatization and conversion disorder.

Trevor A Hurwitz1

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver. trevorh@interchange.ubc.ca

Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. Revue Canadienne De Psychiatrie
|April 23, 2004
PubMed
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Somatization involves expressing psychological distress as physical symptoms, often linked to mood disorders. Conversion disorder specifically affects voluntary nervous system control, requiring complex treatment for both neurological and psychiatric aspects.

Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Neurology
  • Psychosomatic Medicine

Background:

  • Somatization is a psychological mechanism where distress manifests as physical symptoms.
  • Mood disorders are a common underlying cause of psychological distress in somatization.
  • Conversion disorder involves the central nervous system and voluntary control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To define somatization and conversion disorder.
  • To outline the characteristics and treatment of conversion disorder.
  • To highlight the link between mood disorders and conversion disorder.

Main Methods:

  • Review of somatization and conversion disorder literature.
  • Analysis of the psychological mechanisms involved.
  • Description of treatment approaches including narcoanalysis.

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Main Results:

  • Conversion reactions involve fixed ideas of neurological malfunction.
  • Psychogenic neurologic deficits result from consciously enacted conversion reactions.
  • Treatment requires addressing both neurological function and primary psychiatric disorders.

Conclusions:

  • Conversion disorder is a complex condition involving the nervous system and psychological distress.
  • Effective treatment necessitates a multi-faceted approach targeting neurological and psychiatric components.
  • Mood disorders are frequently implicated as the primary psychiatric condition requiring treatment.