Psychoanalysis Theory of Conversion Disorder
Studies in Hysteria (1895/1982), Breuer and Freud states that conversion disorder is caused when a person experiences events that lead to a large increase in emotion, but affect can not be expressed, and the memory of the event is removed from consciousness. Specific symptoms mentioned conversion can be causally associated with the traumatic event that gave rise to these symptoms.
Freud also hypothesize that conversion disorder in women occurs early in life, caused by unresolved Electra complex. Based on psychodynamic view of Sackheim and colleagues, verbal reports and behavior can be separated from each other unconsciously. Hysterically blind person can say that he can not see and can simultaneously influenced by the visual stimulus. The way they show that they can see depends on the extent of blindness.
Behavioral Theory of Conversion Disorder
The views behavioral, proposed by Ullman and Krasner (in Davidson, Neale, Kring, 2004), states that conversion disorder similar to malingering, where individuals adopt a symptom to achieve a goal. In their view, individuals with conversion disorder is trying to behave according to their views on how a person with a disease affecting motor or sensory abilities, will react. This raises two questions: (1) Whether a person is able to do so? (2) Under what conditions such behavior often appear?
Based on existing evidence, the answer to question (1) is yes. A person can adopt behavior patterns that correspond to the classic symptoms of conversion. For example paralysis, analgesias, and blindness, as we know, can also appear in people who are in hypnosis. As for the question (2) Ullman and Krasner specifies two conditions that can increase the tendency of motor and sensory inability inimitable. First, the individual must have experience with the role to be adopted. Such individuals may have physical problems that are similar or the symptoms observed in others. Secondly, the game of the role must be given rewards. Individuals will show an inability only if the behavior was expected to reduce stress or to obtain other positive consequences. However, this behavioral view is not fully supported by the evidence of the literature.
