Conversion disorder (redirected from conversion hysteria)

conversion disorder

n.

A disorder involving the loss or alteration of physical functioning, such as paralysis, voice loss, tunnel vision, or seizures, that is the result of a psychological involvement or need rather than a physical illness or disease. Also called conversion hysteria, conversion reaction.

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Conversion disorder

A somatoform disorder characterized by the transformation of a psychological feeling or impulse into a physical symptom. Conversion disorder was previously called hysterical neurosis, conversion type.

Mentioned in: Somatoform Disorders

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conversion disorder Histrionic personality disorder, hysteria, hysterical neurosis Psychiatry A group of psychiatric reactions in which the Pt 'converts' mental problems into a physical manifestation, with an inappropriate lack of concern about their disabilities Examples Sensation of a thing stuck in the throat–'globus hystericus', recurrent abdominal pain without physical findings, hysterical blindness, gait defects, paralysis, sensory loss, seizures, urine retention. See 'la Belle indifference.', Factitious disease, Hysterical neurosis, Post-traumatic stress disorder.