Metaphor and meaning in conversion disorder: a brief active therapy

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• The psychodynamic concept of conversion disorder, involving somatic dysfunction symbolizing unconscious conflict, faces contemporary challenges.
• This article re-examines the psychodynamic perspective on conversion disorder, detailing its characteristics and diagnostic criteria.

Observation:

• A case study demonstrates the efficacy of brief, active psychodynamic psychotherapy (six sessions) for conversion disorder.
• The psychotherapy involved interpreting the metaphoric meanings of the patient's physical symptoms.

Findings:

• Interpretation of metaphoric meanings of physical symptoms led to immediate symptom disappearance.
• The psychodynamic approach proved useful in resolving conversion disorder symptoms rapidly.

Implications:

• The study supports the utility of psychodynamic psychotherapy in treating conversion disorder.
• The findings suggest that transference dynamics may play a significant role in therapeutic resolution, termed a 'transference cure'.