Conversion disorder typically occurs after a traumatic experience and persists as a form of disability without injury. Patients display physical symptoms for which there is no known physical cause and which they can’t control.

At CCI, we understand conversion disorder, and our dedicated treatment team can help people with conversion learn to manage their symptoms and live a full and fulfilling life.

Without treatment, the underlying stressful event that originally triggered the conversion disorder can continue to cause problems. If the disorder is caused by a chronic disorder such as depression, then depression must be treated in order to stop the conversion disorder episodes from recurring. At CCI, we specialize in providing a thorough diagnostic process in order to ensure that patients with conversion disorder are  treated for the psychological issues that create their symptoms.

Our experienced clinical and medical staff will design a personalized plan that may include therapy, counseling, medication, and various complementary treatment approaches. At CCI, we use an integrated, holistic treatment model to support the whole person. We know that each individual who seeks help at CCI is more than their diagnosis and more than their symptoms. We’re trained to look past symptoms to see the person. If you choose treatment at CCI, we work with you to manage your emotions and behaviors and give you the tools you need to reclaim control of your life.

Conversion Disorder, Addiction, and Co-Occurring Disorders

Mental health experts define conversion disorder as follows:

“Conversion disorder, also called functional neurological symptom disorder, is defined as a psychiatric illness in which symptoms and signs affecting voluntary motor or sensory function cannot be explained by a neurological or general medical condition.”

In other words, conversion disorder occurs when a psychological or emotional crisis results in stress that manifests as a physical problem. Evidence shows the following prevalence of conversion disorder:

  • 20-25% of patients in a hospital setting show individual symptoms of conversion disorder
  • 5% of patients meet criteria for clinical conversion disorder

In addition, research shows a connection between alcohol/substance use disorder (AUD/SUD) and conversion disorder:

  • Among people with AUD, 33.3% receive a diagnosis of conversion disorder during their lives
  • Among people who drink heavily and are at risk of AUD, 26.3% receive a diagnosis of conversion disorder during their lives
  • People diagnosed with SUD receive a diagnosis of conversion disorder at 2.5 times the rate of people without conversion disorder

However, evidence shows a stronger correlation between conversion disorder and mental health disorders than between conversion disorder and AUD/SUD. Among people with conversion disorder:

  • 45.2% diagnosed with a phobia
  • 17.8% diagnosed with panic disorder
  • 14.8% diagnosed with a depressive disorder
  • 7.4% diagnosed with AUD
  • 2.2% diagnosed with SUD

Given the high incidence of co-occurring mental health and addiction disorders in patients with conversion disorder, successful recovery depends on an accurate diagnosis by a multidisciplinary treatment team experienced in the assessment of conversion disorder, mental health disorders, and alcohol/substance use disorder.

How We Can Help with Your Conversion Disorder Treatment

The CCI clinical team is experienced in assessing, diagnosing, and treating conversion disorder and co-occurring mental health and/or alcohol/substance use disorders. Every patient at CCI participates in a comprehensive mental health evaluation upon intake to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Once we complete our intake evaluation and arrive at a diagnosis of conversion disorder – or confirm a previous diagnosis of conversion disorder – we work with patients to identify the root cause of the disorder, and create a plan to help them manage and or resolve the psychological, emotional, and physical symptoms associated with conversion disorder.

The Benefits of Treatment for Conversion Disorder

  • Patients learn about the circumstances and people that might trigger the symptoms of conversion disorder
  • Patients work closely with their counselors to manage their emotions and identify the root cause of their conversion disorder, their mental health disorder, their substance use disorder, or all three
  • Patients learn practical skills to manage their symptoms
  • Doctors monitor medication and make the appropriate adjustments while keeping a close eye on patient progress
  • Staff members can offer consistent support when it’s needed most

Learn More Today

If you or someone in your family experiences the acute symptoms of conversion disorder, a mental health disorder, or an alcohol/substance use disorder, Crownview Co-Occurring Institute may have a program that meets your needs. Contact us today to learn how we can help.