Dissociative and conversion disorders are a group of mental health conditions that are characterized by disruptions in normal mental functioning. These disorders can cause a range of symptoms, including memory loss, changes in sensory perception, and physical symptoms that have no medical explanation.
While dissociative identity disorder (DID) and conversion disorder (CD) are the most well-known conditions in this category, there are other dissociative and conversion disorders that can also impact individuals.
Dissociative amnesia is a type of dissociative disorder that involves memory loss that cannot be attributed to a physical brain injury or medical condition. This memory loss can be localized, affecting a specific period of time or event, or it can be generalized, affecting an individual's entire life history. In some cases, individuals may not be aware that they have forgotten something and may need to rely on others to fill in the gaps.
Dissociative fugue is a type of dissociative disorder that involves sudden and unexpected travel away from home or work, as well as memory loss for the individual's past and personal identity. During a fugue episode, an individual may take on a new identity and may not remember their previous life. These episodes can last for days, weeks, or even months, and may end suddenly.
Somatic symptom disorder is a type of conversion disorder that involves physical symptoms that have no medical explanation. These symptoms may be debilitating and can include pain, weakness, and fatigue. Individuals with somatic symptom disorder often become overly focused on their symptoms and may seek out medical attention repeatedly, but medical tests and exams will show no abnormalities.
Illness anxiety disorder, formerly known as hypochondriasis, is a type of conversion disorder that involves excessive worry about having a serious illness, despite medical reassurances to the contrary. Individuals with this disorder may become preoccupied with their health and may seek out medical attention frequently, even if they have no symptoms.