Conversion Disorder Differential Diagnosis

The differential diagnosis for conversion disorder includes various conditions that may present with similar symptoms or etiology. Here's a categorized list of potential diagnoses:

• Single Most Likely Diagnosis
  • Somatoform Disorder: This diagnosis is likely due to the similarity in symptoms, such as unexplained physical complaints or deficits, and the psychological component of the disorder.
• Other Likely Diagnoses
  • Factitious Disorder: Patients with factitious disorder intentionally produce or feign symptoms, which can be similar to conversion disorder.
  • Malingering: Malingering involves the intentional production of symptoms for personal gain, which can mimic conversion disorder.
  • Anxiety Disorder: Anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder or generalized anxiety disorder, can present with physical symptoms similar to conversion disorder.
  • Depressive Disorder: Depressive disorders can also present with somatic symptoms, making them a potential differential diagnosis.
• Do Not Miss Diagnoses
  • Neurological Disorders (e.g., Multiple Sclerosis, Stroke): These conditions can present with sudden onset of neurological symptoms, such as weakness or numbness, which can be mistaken for conversion disorder.
  • Endocrine Disorders (e.g., Hypothyroidism): Certain endocrine disorders can cause physical symptoms that may be misattributed to conversion disorder.
  • Infectious Diseases (e.g., Lyme Disease): Infectious diseases can cause a range of symptoms, including neurological and physical complaints, that may be similar to conversion disorder.
• Rare Diagnoses
  • Mitochondrial Disorders: These rare genetic disorders can cause a range of symptoms, including neurological and physical complaints, that may be similar to conversion disorder.
  • Wilson's Disease: This rare genetic disorder can cause neurological and psychiatric symptoms, including tremors and personality changes, that may be mistaken for conversion disorder.
  • Whipple's Disease: This rare infectious disease can cause a range of symptoms, including neurological and physical complaints, that may be similar to conversion disorder.

Each of these diagnoses has a brief justification, highlighting the potential for similar symptoms or etiology to conversion disorder. It is essential to consider these possibilities to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment.