Difference Between Somatic Symptom Disorder and Conversion Disorder

Key Difference

Somatic Symptom Disorder focuses on physical symptoms causing significant distress and impairment, often accompanied by excessive thoughts, feelings, or behaviors. Conversion Disorder, however, presents with neurological symptoms that are inconsistent with medical conditions and are thought to arise from psychological conflicts.

Comparative Analysis

1. Symptom Focus:
   • Somatic Symptom Disorder: Physical symptoms (pain, fatigue) causing distress.
   • Conversion Disorder: Neurological symptoms (paralysis, blindness) without medical explanation.
2. Psychological Association:
   • Somatic Symptom Disorder: Symptoms may not have a diagnosable medical cause.
   • Conversion Disorder: Symptoms are linked to psychological factors.
3. Patient Awareness:
   • Somatic Symptom Disorder: Patients are often acutely aware of their symptoms.
   • Conversion Disorder: Patients may appear indifferent to symptoms.

Table Summary of Somatic Symptom Disorder vs Conversion Disorder

Feature	Somatic Symptom Disorder	Conversion Disorder
Symptom Focus	Physical causing distress	Neurological without medical basis
Psychological Association	May lack medical cause	Linked to psychological factors
Patient Awareness	Acutely aware	Often indifferent

Understanding the distinct nature of symptoms, psychological associations, and patient awareness is crucial in differentiating between Somatic Symptom Disorder and Conversion Disorder.