Conversion disorder is associated with conflicts or recent stressors, and it is therorised that symptoms manifest as a result of unconscious conflict between a forbidden wish of the patient and his or her conscience
The psychoanalytic concept of conversion disorder are symptoms are caused by the conversion of repressed anxiety into a bodily symptom which has a symbolic meaning to the patient and commonly involves a secondary gain.
The "sick role" has privileges which are helpful in the short term e.g.:
When the balance of advantage favours the sick role it may be maintained long after any organic disease has resolved.
The high incidence of hysteria (conversion disorder) in wartime suggests that many people are capable of developing hysterical symptoms.
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