What is a common cause of conversion disorder?

Conversion disorder, also known as functional neurologic symptom disorder, is characterized by the presence of neurological symptoms that cannot be explained by medical or neurological conditions. A common cause of conversion disorder is significant emotional stress. Often, these symptoms arise as a psychological response to trauma, anxiety, or stressors, where the subconscious mind converts psychological distress into physical symptoms such as paralysis, non-epileptic seizures, or sensory disturbances.

In many cases, individuals with conversion disorder experience a significant life stressor or emotional conflict prior to the onset of their symptoms, reflecting the relationship between psychological and physical health. This process is thought to be a way of coping with psychological issues when an individual lacks the verbal or conscious means to address these challenges.

Other factors like physical trauma can lead to different conditions, and while genetic predisposition might play a role in some psychological disorders, it is less directly associated with conversion disorder. Substance abuse can lead to various psychological manifestations but is not a direct common cause of conversion disorder itself. Thus, the connection between significant emotional stress and the development of conversion symptoms is a key aspect of understanding this disorder.