conversion disorder

[cat77311]

I am a 29 year old female diagnosed w/ cyclothymia for 8 yrs now. I take 1000mg depakote, 40mg paxil, and 20mg geodon. About a month ago i was hospitalized w/ conversion disorder. I know what it is and i had the symptoms of weakness, loss of speach, could hardly walk, did not know how to walk down the stairs and severe trembling. I dont know what caused it b/c i didnt realize that i was stressed about anything. Since then at least several times a day my left arm will tremble, my pinkies will tremble or my left leg will tremble and sometimes my whole body will tremble. I know this could be side affects of my medication but I am still concerned that it could be neurological. My question of concern is should i have test done to rule out physical causes or just stick w/ the fact that it is conversion disorder?

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

I would look into two things...the first being the side effects of Depakote. You should ask your doctor about lowering the dose to see if the symptoms change.

Secondly, I would pursue neurological tests if your doctor thought the symptoms you had were consistent with anatomical pathways, and a possible neurological lesion.  If not, I would recommend that you have a neurological examination to free yourself from doubt, but don't have additional tests unless there is a strong indication to do so.

[cat77311]

Thankyou for your answer. I will look into the side effects of the depakote first and see if my doctor can lower the dosage. Maybe that will help. If not then I will see about neorological test.

Thankyou again.