Mental health terminology changes with time, and one of the best examples is the shift from the older term “Conversion Disorder” (commonly called hysteria) to the modern clinical name Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder (FND). Both describe the same condition, but the new term is more accurate, scientific, and free of stigma.

For people in Bhopal and across India, where symptoms like fainting, paralysis, or sudden inability to speak are often misunderstood, knowing this difference is extremely important. This guide is crafted by Dr. Mitali Soni Loya, Consultant Psychiatrist at Mental Health & Wellness Clinic, Bhopal, to help patients and families understand the condition clearly.

Why the Name Changed: From Conversion Disorder to FND

For many years, “conversion disorder” or “hysteria” was used to describe unexplained neurological symptoms caused by emotional stress.

But over time, researchers found that:

  • The term “hysteria” was outdated and stigmatizing
  • “Conversion disorder” did not explain how symptoms happen
  • Brain studies show real functional changes in people with these symptoms
  • Patients needed a more medically accurate, non-judgmental term

This led to the adoption of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) in modern psychiatry and neurology.

Today’s Term (DSM-5): Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder (FND)

It focuses on brain-body communication problems, not “emotional weakness.”

What Does FND Really Mean?

FND occurs when the brain has difficulty sending or receiving signals correctly — even though no structural damage exists.

So the symptoms are real, just not caused by nerve injury or brain lesions.

Symptoms of Conversion Disorder / FND

Symptoms may appear suddenly and can affect any part of the body.

Motor Symptoms

  • Sudden paralysis or weakness of limbs
  • Tremors or jerky movements
  • Difficulty walking
  • Weakness after emotional stress

Sensory Symptoms

  • Numbness or tingling
  • Loss of vision or double vision
  • Hearing problems
  • Loss of speech (mutism)

Seizure-like Episodes (Non-Epileptic Seizures / PNES)

  • Shaking
  • Falling
  • Unresponsiveness

These look like epilepsy but are neurological functional events, not electrical seizures.

Why Does FND Happen?

The exact cause is complex, but major contributors include:

  • Stress or emotional trauma
  • Long-term anxiety or suppressed emotions
  • Family or social pressure
  • Relationship or academic stress
  • History of physical or emotional abuse
  • Cultural and social triggers (more common in India)

In many cases, the person is not aware that stress is affecting their body.

In FND in India: Why It’s More Common Than You Think

Studies in India have shown:

  • Higher occurrence in women
  • More cases are seen among teenagers and young adults
  • Stress related to marriage, education, and family pressure plays a major role
  • People often go to neurologists first because symptoms look physical
  • Many patients undergo unnecessary tests before reaching a psychiatrist

In cities like Bhopal, this delay in reaching the right doctor can prolong suffering.

How FND Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis requires ruling out neurological disorders while looking for positive signs of FND.

Doctors may do:

  • MRI
  • EEG
  • Blood tests
  • Neurological examination

But the diagnosis is NOT “everything is normal,” instead, it is based on patterns of symptoms that match FND.

At Dr. Mitali Soni Loya’s Mental Health & Wellness Clinic, Bhopal, patients receive:

  • Neuropsychiatric evaluation
  • Stress and trauma assessment
  • Collaborative care with neurologists (if needed)

Treatment for Conversion Disorder / FND in Bhopal

1. Psychotherapy (Main Treatment)

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Trauma-Focused Therapy
  • Stress-management therapy
  • Family counseling

2. Physiotherapy

To retrain brain-body connections.

3. Speech Therapy

For speech-related symptoms.

4. Medications

Not for FND directly, but for:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Trauma-related issues

5. Patient & Family Education

Explaining the condition scientifically helps reduce stigma and speeds up recovery.

At Mental Health & Wellness Clinic, Bhopal, treatment is tailored to the patient’s cultural background, stress factors, and symptom type.

Does This Mean “It’s All in the Head”?

Absolutely not.

FND symptoms are real, physical, and often disabling.

The problem is in how the brain is functioning, not in the patient’s imagination.

Read about our anxiety and stress treatment programs designed for Bhopal patients.

When Should You Seek Help?

Seek medical attention if you notice:

  • Sudden loss of movement
  • Fainting episodes
  • Seizure-like attacks
  • Loss of vision or speech
  • Numbness without a medical explanation
  • Unexplained weakness after stress

Early treatment leads to faster recovery.

Treatment in Bhopal — Where to Go

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, consult:

Dr. Mitali Soni Loya

Consultant Psychiatrist & Mental Health Specialist

Mental Health & Wellness Clinic, Bhopal

The clinic specializes in:

  • Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)
  • Non-epileptic seizures
  • Stress-related neurological symptoms
  • Anxiety and trauma care

Early diagnosis can prevent unnecessary tests and speed up healing.

Key Takeaway

Conversion Disorder and Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) are the same condition, but FND is the newer, more accurate, and scientific term.

Understanding this difference helps patients in Bhopal get the right treatment at the right time — especially with the support of specialists like Dr. Mitali Soni Loya at the Mental Health & Wellness Clinic.