What type of event can trigger conversion disorder?

Conversion disorder, previously known as hysteria, is a mental health condition where psychological distress manifests as physical symptoms, such as paralysis or seizures, without an organic cause. Catastrophic events can significantly increase stress levels and impact an individual's mental state, potentially triggering conversion disorder. These overwhelming experiences may lead to an unconscious defense mechanism where the mind converts emotional turmoil associated with the trauma into physical symptoms as a way to cope.

While routine stressors, mundane occurrences, and long-term relationships can contribute to anxiety or other psychological distress, they are less likely to have the profound impact necessary to trigger conversion disorder compared to a catastrophic event. Traumatic events are often more disruptive to one’s mental health and can thus be more effective in precipitating such severe psychosomatic symptoms.