Which disorder is defined as one or more symptoms of altered voluntary motor or sensory function that are not due to neurological or medical conditions?

• A. Conversion Disorder
• B. Factitious Disorder
• C. Somatic Symptom Disorder
• D. Dissociative Disorders

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is functional neurological symptom presentation, where a person has one or more symptoms that look like neurological deficits (such as weakness, paralysis, abnormal movements, numbness, or non-epileptic seizures) but cannot be explained by a neurological or medical condition, and the symptoms are not voluntary or under conscious control. Psychological factors are thought to be linked to the onset or maintenance of these symptoms, and the symptoms cause significant distress or impairment.

This differs from other disorders with similar-sounding features. For example, factitious disorder involves deliberately producing or simulating symptoms to assume the sick role, rather than arising from unconscious psychological processes. Somatic Symptom Disorder centers on excessive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors regarding somatic symptoms that may be medically unexplained, but the focus is on the person’s disproportionate worry and anxiety about symptoms rather than purely neurological deficits. Dissociative disorders involve disruptions in memory, identity, or consciousness, not primarily motor or sensory symptoms.

So, when you see altered voluntary motor or sensory function that isn’t attributable to a medical or neurological condition and isn’t consciously produced, the best match is conversion disorder (functional neurological symptom disorder).