Question

Why do most psychologists believe that people suffering from conversion disorders invent physical symptoms?

a) to get their doctor to prescribe medication
b) to get attention and help them feel important
c) to get out of doing something they consider unpleasant or boring
d) to gain freedom from unbearable conflict

Answer 1

Psychologists believe individuals with conversion disorders express physical symptoms to gain freedom from psychological conflict, framed within cultural concepts of distress and the explanatory model approach to treatment.

Step-by-step explanation:

Most psychologists believe that people suffering from conversion disorders create physical symptoms not because they wish to gain attention or medication, but rather to gain freedom from unbearable psychological conflict. Conversion disorder is a type of somatic symptom disorder in which emotional distress or unconscious conflict is expressed through physical symptoms.

This form of illness allows the individual to express psychological distress in a manner that is socially acceptable in certain cultures, which might be seen as an unconscious strategy to cope with or avoid dealing with stress or conflict.

The concept of cultural concepts of distress (CCD) explains that different cultures have unique ways of expressing and dealing with mental illness, sometimes manifesting through physical symptoms.

Furthermore, acknowledging the importance of patients' beliefs in their illness, an approach known as the explanatory model can be crucial in creating effective treatments that are respectful of their cultural context and personal beliefs. Overall, the symptoms presented in conversion disorder are real to the patient and should not be perceived as intentionally fabricated.