Amanda, a 28-year-old woman, who recently lost her only son in a drowning accident, has been going through considerable stress and emotional turmoil. She woke up one morning and was terrified to find that she was unable to walk. Her husband took her to a clinic where the doctor ruled out any underlying medical condition for Amanda's symptoms. In this instance, which of the following disorders is Amanda most likely to be suffering from?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Amanda's inability to walk without any underlying medical condition points towards a conversion disorder. Conversion disorder is a category of somatic symptom disorders that involve physical symptoms that cannot be explained by any underlying medical condition. These physical symptoms may include partial or complete paralysis, blindness, deafness or seizures, and are believed to be the result of mental or emotional distress. In Amanda's case, her distress over the loss of her son may have manifested as the inability to walk.

Amanda, a 28-Year-Old Woman, Who Recently Lost Her Only Son