7 - Conversion Hysteria

Sometimes a repressed emotion becomes converted into a physical symptom to relieve the emotional strain. When conversion hysteria occurs, no actual biological or organic changes occur to the body, but the individual experiences problems with sensory or motor functioning. Freud’s theory on conversion hysteria was that the energy behind the repressed emotion becomes channelled into a physical reaction that eventually blocks and disturbs the smooth functioning of the organ it is affecting.

Psychological distress is converted to physical distress. For example, you have to sing in front of a large crowd of people. You are so afraid that you lose your voice completely. You do not have laryngitis; you lose your voice due to extreme fear. Distress is shown by adopting the role of a person with an actual pathologic illness. Getting sick or developing a physical symptom is the way a person chooses to escape from a dangerous psychological situation. Illness provides immunity and protection from threatening situations because heavy demands are not made on sick people. Extra attention and sympathy are extended to the sick. Therefore, the individual capitalizes on conversion hysteria for these benefits as well.

Conversion hysteria is of several types:

paralysis .... any part of the body may be affected
anaesthesia .... a total loss of sensation
paraesthesia .... unusual reactions such as tingling sensations or distorted vision
glove/stocking anaesthesia .... loss of sensation in the areas covered by these garments
mutism .... inability to speak
aphonia .... inability to speak above a whisper
tremors and tics .... spasmodic movements in small groups of muscles
hysterical fit .... similar in outward symptoms to an epileptic seizure
hysterical twilight states .... feelings of haziness, disorientation; experiences are distorted and dreamlike

People with conversion hysteria are usually quite indifferent to their ailments. Their physical illnesses give them legitimate excuses to avoid fearful situations. Even when people attempt to treat their conversion hysteria, symptoms will reappear and persist until the underlying conflict is resolved. Dealing with the root cause or conflict is the key to curing conversion hysteria.