When the heart hurts…the body hurts. Let’s get to know Conversion Disorder, a disease that requires understanding, not criticism.
In the present era, the condition of ‘getting sick from stress’ has become a common thing that we see all the time. Often, getting sick from stress is not pretending or seeking attention as many people misunderstand. For example, the latest case of “Zhao Lusi”, a Chinese actress who was seriously ill from stress, had physical weakness and decreased neurological perception. She was diagnosed with ” Conversion Disorder”, a disease in which mental health problems interfere with brain function, resulting in physical abnormalities that the patient cannot control.
Today, Dr. Penchanya Atiwannaphat, a psychiatrist and psychiatrist at the Mental Health Center, Vimut Hospital, will introduce you to Conversion Disorder to reinforce the society’s understanding that mental illnesses can also cause physical abnormalities. She will also provide advice on how to help patients with this disease.

Conversion Disorder A mental illness that causes physical symptoms.
Conversion Disorder is a disease caused by mental health problems that disrupt brain function. It is commonly found in general wards. Patients often come with physical abnormalities. Both in terms of movement and sensory perception. However, when examined in detail with blood tests or x-rays, no abnormalities are found. Therefore, this disease cannot be explained by the results of the physical examination. However, all the symptoms actually occurred without the patient intending to.
Stress, pressure, bad experiences, factors that trigger Conversion Disorder
Conversion Disorder is often caused by stress, pressure, and experiences that affect the mind until it manifests itself physically, such as numbness, seizures, inability to speak, blurred vision, muscle weakness, inability to walk, or loss of hearing . Dr. Penchanya Atiwannaphat gave an interesting example: “A teenager had an argument with his mother and screamed. After that, he could not speak at all, but he could still cough and make noises normally.
After 2-3 days, he could speak again. In addition, in the ทางเข้า UFABET สำหรับสมาชิกใหม่ สมัครวันนี้ รับโบนัสฟรี past, we may have heard the name hysteria. Which is now classified in the medical field as Conversion Disorder. Most people have similar symptoms. Such as sudden inability to speak or walk. Another clear example is soldiers during the World War. They had to face a lot of stress and pressure on the battlefield until they developed physical symptoms from this disease.”
The key to treating Conversion Disorder is understanding.
Diagnosis of the group of diseases related to Conversion Disorder will be assessed by the intention and goals of the patient. It can be classified as follows: Conversion Disorder is a condition in which the patient does not intentionally show symptoms and the symptoms that occur are real symptoms that cannot be explained by the results of a physical examination. Factitious Disorder is a condition in which the patient feigns illness to gain attention. Finally, Malingering is a condition in which the patient intentionally feigns illness in order to gain benefits or avoid responsibilities. Therefore, a physical examination and detailed diagnosis are required to confirm whether it is really Conversion Disorder.
Because if the diagnosis is wrong, it may not be treated properly and the patient’s symptoms may worsen. ” Treatment of Conversion Disorder can be done through psychotherapy, physical therapy, or medication. It must be adjusted to be appropriate for each person. During the treatment, the patient must be accompanied and encouraged that the symptoms will gradually improve until they are fully recovered. In addition, words such as ‘The physical examination is normal’ or ‘Are you imagining it?’ may affect the patient’s mind and make the symptoms worse.
When the patient’s symptoms improve and their mind is more stable. We will gradually help the patient understand the origin of the symptoms and find ways to cope with the things that affect their mind and cause the symptoms. This requires cooperation from those around them,” explained Dr. Penchanya Atiwannapat.
“I want everyone to understand that Conversion Disorder can actually cause physical abnormalities. It is not a faking or a demand for attention. Patients themselves are often confused and anxious about their symptoms. We should help patients by giving them encouragement and listening to them a lot. We should not pressure or rush them to recover. Instead, we should give them time to gradually heal. When we create a safe zone for patients, their minds will improve and their physical symptoms will disappear,” concluded Dr. Penchanya Atiwannapat.