Dissociative and conversion disorders
Chapter 5:Mental, Behavioral and Neurodevelopmental disorders
ICD-10 F44 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of dissociative and conversion disorders.
Dissociative and conversion disorders encompass a range of psychological conditions characterized by disruptions in consciousness, memory, identity, or perception of the environment. These disorders often manifest as a response to trauma or stress, leading to symptoms such as amnesia, depersonalization, derealization, and conversion symptoms (e.g., loss of motor function or sensory perception without a neurological basis). Patients may experience significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. The onset of these disorders can be acute or chronic, and they may co-occur with other mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, PTSD, and OCD. Effective management often requires a multidisciplinary approach, including psychotherapy, medication, and support for underlying anxiety or trauma-related issues. Understanding the interplay between dissociative symptoms and anxiety disorders is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Detailed patient history, symptom description, and treatment plans must be documented.
Patients presenting with dissociative amnesia following trauma or conversion disorder symptoms like paralysis.
Psychiatrists should document any co-occurring anxiety disorders or PTSD to support the diagnosis.
Neurological evaluations to rule out organic causes of symptoms.
Patients with conversion symptoms that mimic neurological disorders.
Neurologists must ensure clear documentation to differentiate between neurological and dissociative symptoms.
Used for therapy sessions addressing dissociative symptoms.
Document the focus of therapy and progress notes.
Psychiatrists should note any co-occurring conditions.
Primary symptoms include disruptions in memory, identity, perception, and motor function, often triggered by trauma or stress.
