What is a key characteristic of conversion disorder?

The key characteristic of conversion disorder is that the symptoms cannot be fully explained by a medical condition. In conversion disorder, individuals experience neurological symptoms, such as paralysis, tremors, or seizures, that arise in response to psychological distress rather than any identifiable physical or neurological cause. This highlights the disconnect between the mind and body, where psychological factors manifest as physical symptoms.

While there may indeed be instances of chronic pain present in some cases, conversion disorder is more specifically associated with significant impairment and requires a focus on those symptoms that lack a clear medical explanation. Symptoms may not always occur during stressful situations, as they can appear in various contexts, and while some symptoms might resolve relatively quickly, they can also be severe and long-lasting. Thus, the defining feature of conversion disorder lies in the presence of physical symptoms that have no medical basis, making the understanding of psychological and physiological interaction essential in the context of this condition.