Dissociative disorder, also called a conversion disorder, is a mental disorder in which the person suffers a psychological imbalance, with changes in consciousness, memory, identity, emotion, environmental perception, movement control and behavior.
Thus, the person with this disorder may experience different types of psychological signs and symptoms, which appear in isolation or together, without any physical illness justifying the case. The main ones are:
- It is common for people with dissociative disorders to experience behavioral changes.
- Such as a sudden heated or unbalanced reaction.
- So this disorder is also known as hysteria or hysterical reaction.
Dissociative disorder usually develops or worsens after traumatic or stressful events, and usually occurs abruptly. Episodes may appear from time to time or become frequent, depending on each case. It is also more common in women than in men.
Treatment of dissociative disorder should be guided by a psychiatrist and may include the use of anxiolytic medications or antidepressants to relieve symptoms, as psychotherapy is very important.
During seizures of dissociative disorder, it can be thought to be a physical illness, so it is common for these patients to have first contact with the doctor in the emergency room.
Your doctor identifies the presence of this syndrome during intensive search for changes in clinical evaluation and tests, but nothing of physical or organic origin is found to explain the condition.
Confirmation of dissociative disorder is performed by the psychiatrist, who will assess the symptoms present during seizures and the existence of psychological conflicts that may trigger or aggravate the disease. This doctor should also evaluate the presence of anxiety, depression, somatization, schizophrenia or other mental disorders that are getting worse or confused with a dissociative disorder. Understand what they are and how to identify the most common mental disorders.
The main form of treatment of dissociative disorder is psychotherapy, with a psychologist, to help the patient develop strategies to deal with stress. Sessions are held until the psychologist thinks the patient is able to manage their emotions and relationships safely.
Follow-up with the psychiatrist, who will evaluate the course of the disease and may prescribe medications to relieve symptoms, such as antidepressants, such as sertraline, antipsychotics, such as tiapride or anxiolytics, such as diazepam, is also recommended if necessary.