What Is Conversion Disorder?
2. How Common Is It?
Conversion disorder is labeled a rare mental illness. According to the National Organization for Rare Diseases, fewer than 25 cases are reported per 100,000 individuals. This disorder is more common in women than in men and particularly more common in individuals who face difficulties discussing their feelings. While these people aren’t aware of it, their bodies may be using physical pain and discomfort to sort through painful emotional thoughts and memories. Violent, angry thoughts may cause someone to lose feeling or control of a limb, for example.
For many individuals, symptoms are short-lived. As many as 50-90% of patients with conversion disorder in a hospital will recover from their symptoms before they are discharged. Up to 25% of patients will have a relapse within a year, so it’s still important to seek treatment options. Continued symptoms without treatment can cause serious issues or continue to affect the patient with long-term complications.
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