Final answer:
Conversion disorder is a condition where psychological factors lead to physical symptoms, like a stuffed nose or cough, that can't be medically explained. It often arises after life stressors or trauma, and the symptoms are as impairing as those from physical illness. Treatment includes therapy and stress-management strategies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Conversion disorder, also known as functional neurological symptom disorder, is a condition where a person experiences bodily symptoms that cannot be explained by a general medical condition or substance use. It's characterized by symptoms affecting voluntary motor or sensory functions and is thought to result from psychological factors. Symptoms can include things like paralysis, blindness, or other nerve-related impairments that are not consistent with medical findings and cannot be explained through diagnostic testing. An example might be developing a stuffed nose and cough in the absence of an actual viral infection due to a strong desire or need to avoid certain situations, like going to school.
Although the symptoms can be just as debilitating as those caused by a physical illness, they are considered to be the physical manifestation of psychological stress or trauma. Symptoms often occur after significant life stressors or trauma, but they may also appear with no apparent triggering event. In some cases, this includes stress about missing work or class, disappointment in missing an outing with friends, or anxiety concerning health. Conversion disorder is often treated with a combination of therapy, stress-management strategies, and sometimes medication if associated with mood or anxiety disorders.