Conversion Disorder

Important
It is possible that the main title of the report Conversion Disorder is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.

Synonyms

Briquet's Syndrome
Hysterical Neurosis, Conversion Type

Disorder Subdivisions

None

General Discussion

Conversion disorder is a mental illness characterized by the loss or alteration of physical functioning without any physiological reason. These physical symptoms are the result of emotional conflicts or needs. The symptoms usually appear suddenly and at times of extreme psychological stress. A lack of concern over the debilitating symptoms (la belle indifference), which commonly accompanies this illness, may be a clue to distinguishing it from the physiological disorder it may mimic.
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Resources

National Mental Health Consumers' Self-Help Clearinghouse
1211 Chestnut Street
Suite 1207
Philadelphia, PA 19107-6312
USA
Tel: 2127511810
Fax: 2156366312
Tel: 8005534539
Email: info@mhselfhelp.org
Internet: http://www.mhselfhelp.org

National Mental Health Association
2001 North Beauregard Street
12th Floor
Alexandria, VA 22311
USA
Tel: 7036847722
Fax: 7036845968
Tel: 8009696642
TDD: 8004335959
Email: infoctr@nmha.org
Internet: http://www.nmha.org

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
Colonial Place Three
2107 Wilson Blvd.
Suite 300
Arlington, VA 22201-3042
ISA
Tel: 7035247600
Fax: 7035249094
Tel: 8009996264
TDD: 7035167227
Email: membership@nami.org
Internet: http://www.nami.org

NIH/National Institute of Mental Health
6001 Executive Blvd
Rm 8184, MSC 9663
Rockville, MD 20892-9663
Tel: (301)443-4513
Email: nimhinfo@nih.gov
Internet: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/

For a Complete Report

This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. ® (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html

The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.
It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report.
This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.
For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org
Last Updated: 3/4/2003
Copyright 1990, 1999, 2003 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

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