Conversion Hysteria (Noun)
Meaning
A mental disorder characterized by the conversion of mental conflict into somatic forms (into paralysis or anesthesia having no apparent cause).
Classification
Nouns denoting natural processes.
Examples
- The patient's symptoms of numbness in her limbs were later diagnosed as a classic case of conversion hysteria, with no identifiable physical cause.
- Following a traumatic event, Sarah began experiencing frequent and unexplained seizures, which her therapist attributed to a manifestation of conversion hysteria.
- Conversion hysteria has been observed in individuals who are repressing strong emotions, leading to physical symptoms such as paralysis or tremors.
- The psychiatrist carefully ruled out other possible causes before concluding that the patient's mysterious paralysis was a product of conversion hysteria.
- In extreme cases of conversion hysteria, patients may experience complete blindness or deafness without any underlying physical condition.