What is the most reported symptom for patients with conversion disorder?

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In patients with conversion disorder, the most reported symptom is often related to sensory or motor function that manifests without a clear medical basis, and among these, vision changes, such as blindness, are notably prevalent.

Conversion disorder, also known as functional neurological symptom disorder, involves neurological symptoms that cannot be fully explained by a medical condition. Patients typically present with symptoms that can be severe and disabling, yet upon examination, these symptoms do not correlate with known neurological or medical conditions. Vision changes, particularly loss of vision, can be particularly striking and are frequently reported, as they disrupt a fundamental aspect of sensory processing and are often dramatic in their presentation.

This symptom fits the profile of conversion disorder as it reflects a conversion of psychological stress or conflict into a physical symptom, and it can vary widely among individuals. The conversion of psychological distress into a significant sensory symptom, like sudden blindness, is a core characteristic of this disorder. Other symptoms, while they may also occur, such as speech difficulties or persistent headaches, are less frequently highlighted in clinical settings compared to the dramatic nature of vision changes.

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