For when psychological pathology produces symptoms in other body systems.
- Chest pains
- Palpitations
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Back pain
- Feeling sick (nauseated)
Often due to factors such as increased stress
Can be very frustrating for patients are all the tests return as normal but they are still experiencing symptoms
Most people who see a doctor with bodily symptoms that are not due to physical illness are helped by talking about how their symptoms are caused and what they can do to help themselves.
Conversion Disorder
Where a person has symptoms which suggest a serious disease of the brain or nerves (a neurological disease) -
- Total loss of vision (severe sight impairment).
- Deafness.
- Weakness, paralysis or numbness of the arms or legs.
The symptoms usually develop quickly in response to a stressful situation. They unconsciously convert psychological stress into a physical symptom.
- Tends to occur between the ages of 18 years and 30 years.
- Symptoms often last no longer than a few weeks but persist long-term in some people.
- In many cases there is only ever one episode and no treatment is needed once symptoms have gone.