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DSM-5 criteria for conversion disorder (or functional neurological symptom disorder) requires findings that are incompatible with recognized neurologic or medical conditions.1 Knowledge of signs specific to conversion disorder may help you diagnose the illness with confidence.
We review signs suggestive of conversion disorder. These can be remembered using the mnemonic How About Finding Some Conversion Weakness [in an otherwise] Strong Guy/Gal? (Table2).
Inconsistencies in motor function can be observed on examination. Signs may be consciously or unconsciously produced. Although most of the tests mentioned have high positive and negative predictive values (noted in the Table2) they have limited sensitivity and specificity,3 and the presence of a positive sign does not exclude the possibility of comorbid disease.
Disclosures
The authors report no financial relationship with any company whose products are mentioned in this article or with manufacturers of competing products.
1. Stone J, LaFrance WC Jr, Levenson JL, et al. Issues for DSM- 5: conversion disorder. Am J Psychiatry. 2010;167(6):626-627.
2. Daum C, Hubschmid M, Aybek S. The value of ‘positive’ clinical signs for weakness, sensory and gait disorders in conversion disorder: a systematic and narrative review. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2014;85(2):180-190.
3. Stone J, Carson A, Sharpe M. Functional symptoms and signs in neurology: assessment and diagnosis. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2005;76(suppl 1):i2-i12.
DSM-5 criteria for conversion disorder (or functional neurological symptom disorder) requires findings that are incompatible with recognized neurologic or medical conditions.1 Knowledge of signs specific to conversion disorder may help you diagnose the illness with confidence.
We review signs suggestive of conversion disorder. These can be remembered using the mnemonic How About Finding Some Conversion Weakness [in an otherwise] Strong Guy/Gal? (Table2).
Inconsistencies in motor function can be observed on examination. Signs may be consciously or unconsciously produced. Although most of the tests mentioned have high positive and negative predictive values (noted in the Table2) they have limited sensitivity and specificity,3 and the presence of a positive sign does not exclude the possibility of comorbid disease.
Disclosures
The authors report no financial relationship with any company whose products are mentioned in this article or with manufacturers of competing products.
DSM-5 criteria for conversion disorder (or functional neurological symptom disorder) requires findings that are incompatible with recognized neurologic or medical conditions.1 Knowledge of signs specific to conversion disorder may help you diagnose the illness with confidence.
We review signs suggestive of conversion disorder. These can be remembered using the mnemonic How About Finding Some Conversion Weakness [in an otherwise] Strong Guy/Gal? (Table2).
Inconsistencies in motor function can be observed on examination. Signs may be consciously or unconsciously produced. Although most of the tests mentioned have high positive and negative predictive values (noted in the Table2) they have limited sensitivity and specificity,3 and the presence of a positive sign does not exclude the possibility of comorbid disease.
Disclosures
The authors report no financial relationship with any company whose products are mentioned in this article or with manufacturers of competing products.
1. Stone J, LaFrance WC Jr, Levenson JL, et al. Issues for DSM- 5: conversion disorder. Am J Psychiatry. 2010;167(6):626-627.
2. Daum C, Hubschmid M, Aybek S. The value of ‘positive’ clinical signs for weakness, sensory and gait disorders in conversion disorder: a systematic and narrative review. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2014;85(2):180-190.
3. Stone J, Carson A, Sharpe M. Functional symptoms and signs in neurology: assessment and diagnosis. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2005;76(suppl 1):i2-i12.
1. Stone J, LaFrance WC Jr, Levenson JL, et al. Issues for DSM- 5: conversion disorder. Am J Psychiatry. 2010;167(6):626-627.
2. Daum C, Hubschmid M, Aybek S. The value of ‘positive’ clinical signs for weakness, sensory and gait disorders in conversion disorder: a systematic and narrative review. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2014;85(2):180-190.
3. Stone J, Carson A, Sharpe M. Functional symptoms and signs in neurology: assessment and diagnosis. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2005;76(suppl 1):i2-i12.