F44: Dissociative [conversion] disorders

Dissociative or conversion disorders are a group of mental health conditions where a person's physical function is affected, but doctors cannot find a physical cause. Symptoms can influence many areas, such as movement, speech, vision, hearing, and even memory recall. It's believed that these conditions may develop as ways to cope with traumatic situations, anxiety, or stress. They are not caused by direct physical harm or substance abuse but are linked to mental health. These disorders typically start suddenly after a stressful event and can vary in severity. For example, someone might experience a temporary issue with limb movement (like paralysis), or more severe cases might include loss of ability to speak. In many instances, the symptoms might seem similar to neurological disorders like stroke or multiple sclerosis. However, no observable physical or neurological damage is present in patients with dissociative disorders. Recovery is often possible with timely management and supportive therapy interventions.