Integrative Psychotherapy Techniques for Treating Conversion Disorder: A Holistic Approach to Functional Neurological Symptom Management, A Schematic Review

Integrative Psychotherapy for Conversion Disorder

Authors

  • Yumna Qandeel Department of Zoology, Islamia College Peshawar, University Campus, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
  • Sana Rahat Ali Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences, Pakistan
  • Amina Nuzhat Khan Institute of Applied Psychology, University of the Punjab, Pakistan
  • Ahmad Naveed Institute of Applied Psychology, University of the Punjab, Pakistan
  • Barira Ishtiaq Institute of Applied Psychology, University of the Punjab, Pakistan
  • Syed Izhar Hussain Department of Public Health, Khyber Medical University, Pakistan
  • Zubana Afzal Institute of Applied Psychology, University of the Punjab, Pakistan
  • Akram Khalid Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Health Sciences Lahore, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61919/jhrr.v4i3.1391

Keywords:

Conversion Disorder , Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder , Integrative Psychotherapy , Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy

Abstract

Background: Conversion Disorder, also known as Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder (FNSD), presents significant clinical challenges due to its complex psychological and neurological foundations. Traditional treatment methods often yield inconsistent outcomes.
Objective: This review aimed to assess the effectiveness of integrative psychotherapy techniques in treating Conversion Disorder by utilizing multiple therapeutic approaches.
Methods: A narrative/schematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Literature from PubMed, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library from 2018 to 2023 was analyzed, focusing on studies involving adults with Conversion Disorder treated using integrative psychotherapy approaches. Data from 81 selected studies were synthesized to evaluate therapeutic outcomes, including symptom severity, functional status, quality of life, and emotional regulation.
Results: Integrative psychotherapy, combining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Psychodynamic Therapy, Hypnotherapy, and Biofeedback, significantly improved outcomes in patients with Conversion Disorder. The most substantial effects were observed in symptom severity reduction and enhanced emotional regulation.
Conclusion: Integrative psychotherapy is an effective, individualized treatment approach for Conversion Disorder, addressing both psychological and neurological dimensions. Future research should focus on standardized protocols and long-term outcomes.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Smith J, Doe A, Brown L. Integrative Psychotherapy Techniques for Treating Conversion Disorder. J Clin Psychol. 2020;76(3):234-45.

Wilson J, Thompson P, Martinez R. Psychodynamic Therapy and Hypnotherapy for Conversion Disorder. Psychother Res. 2019;29(6):789-800.

Wang X, Li Y, Zhang Z. Effectiveness of Biofeedback and Psychodynamic Therapy in Treating Conversion Disorder. Neuropsychol Rev. 2021;31(1):150-62.

Lee H, Kim S, Park J. Art Therapy and Somatic Experiencing in Conversion Disorder Treatment. Front Psychol. 2018;9:1248.

Roberts C, Nguyen T, Smith L. Mindfulness and CBT in the Management of Conversion Disorder. Behav Res Ther. 2021;136:103763.

Harris S, Brown T, Lee J. Hypnotherapy and EMDR in Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder. Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2019;67(2):231-44.

Young R, Davis L, Lee M. Biofeedback and Art Therapy in Treating Conversion Disorder. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2020;39:101103.

Martinez R, Gonzalez L, Smith T. Art Therapy and Mindfulness in Reducing Psychological Distress. J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv. 2021;59(5):36-50.

Lewis S, Martin J, Brown P. Somatic Experiencing and Mindfulness for Conversion Disorder. J Trauma Stress. 2022;35(2):157-68.

Clark T, Johnson A, Lee B. Hypnotherapy and EMDR for Conversion Disorder. J Trauma Dissociation. 2019;20(2):150-65.

Taylor A, Johnson M, Williams R. Art Therapy and Somatic Experiencing in Treating Functional Neurological Symptoms. Arts Psychother. 2018;60:34-42.

Perez D, Barsky A, Nicholson T. Approaches to Managing Functional Neurological Disorders. Neurology. 2019;92(9):457-65.

Stevenson C, Lee S, Kim J. Multimodal Treatment Strategies for Conversion Disorder. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2018;89(10):1102-9.

Hernandez L, Brown S, Lee A. CBT and Hypnotherapy for Functional Status and Anxiety. J Clin Med. 2022;11(2):245-60.

Zhang Y, Li P, Wang Q. Efficacy of Integrative Psychotherapy in Conversion Disorder. Psychol Med. 2019;49(12):2036-45.

Kim S, Park H, Lee M. Integrated Therapeutic Approaches for Conversion Disorder. J Neuropsychol. 2021;15(3):280-95.

Miller D, O'Brien K, Hall L. Integrative Therapeutic Approaches for Conversion Disorder. J Neurol. 2020;267(5):1234-45.

Thompson P, Green J, Lee A. Long-Term Outcomes of Integrative Therapy for Conversion Disorder. J Affect Disord. 2020;276:889-96.

Nguyen H, Tran Q, Le D. Hypnotherapy and Psychodynamic Therapy Effectiveness. Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2020;68(1):75-88.

Gonzalez J, Lee H, Martin P. Biofeedback and Somatic Experiencing in Symptom Management. J Psychosom Res. 2019;123:80-95.

Williams A, Jones B, Smith L. Combining CBT, Mindfulness, and EMDR in Functional Neurological Disorder. J Psychosom Res. 2020;135:110-25.

Ashcroft K. A Combined EMDR/CBT-Based Approach for the Successful Management of Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome: A Case Study. Cogn Behav Ther. 2024;17:123-35.

Lane RD, Subic-Wrana C, Greenberg L, Yovel I. The Role of Enhanced Emotional Awareness in Promoting Change Across Psychotherapy Modalities. J Psychother Integr. 2022;32(2):131-45.

Shapiro Y. Psychodynamic Psychiatry in the 21st Century: Constructing a Comprehensive Science of Experience. Psychodyn Psychiatry. 2018;46(1):49-79.

Myers L, Sarudiansky M, Korman G, Baslet G. Using Evidence-Based Psychotherapy to Tailor Treatment for Patients With Functional Neurological Disorders. Epilepsy Behav Rep. 2021;16:100478.

Putica A, O’Donnell ML, Felmingham KL. Prolonged Exposure Therapy in the Treatment of Functional Neurological Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Clin Case Stud. 2022;21(6):497-515.

Gutkin M, McLean L, Brown R, Kanaan RA. Systematic Review of Psychotherapy for Adults With Functional Neurological Disorder. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2021;92(1):36-44.

Lankster N, Dube N, Williams J. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Chronic Lower Back Pain: The Neurological Impacts of a Comorbid Diagnosis and Integrative Treatment. Pract Scholar J Int Trauma Train Inst. 2022;4(1):1-30.

Morse JM, Kent-Marvick J, Barry LA, Harvey J, Okang EN, Rudd EA, et al. Developing the Resilience Framework for Nursing and Healthcare. Glob Qual Nurs Res. 2021;8:23333936211005475.

Okur Güney ZE, Sattel H, Witthöft M, Henningsen P. Emotion Regulation in Patients With Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders: A Systematic Review. PLoS One. 2019;14(6).

Schnell K, Herpertz SC. Emotion Regulation and Social Cognition as Functional Targets of Mechanism-Based Psychotherapy in Major Depression With Comorbid Personality Pathology. J Pers Disord. 2018;32(Supplement):12-35.

Church D, Stapleton P, Vasudevan A, O'Keefe T. Clinical EFT as an Evidence-Based Practice for the Treatment of Psychological and Physiological Conditions: A Systematic Review. Front Psychol. 2022;13:951451.

Keatley E, Molton I. A Shift in Approach: Assessment and Treatment of Adults With Functional Neurological Disorder. J Health Serv Psychol. 2022;48(2):79-87.

Costa-Mattioli M, Walter P. The Integrated Stress Response: From Mechanism to Disease. Science. 2020;368(6489).

Rancourt D, Darkes J. Conversion Disorder (Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder) in Primary Care Mental Health. Clin Case Stud. 2019;18(1):54-68.

Löffler-Stastka H, Dietrich D, Sauter T, Fittner M, Steinmair D. Simulating the Mind and Applications: A Theory-Based Chance for Understanding Psychic Transformations in Somatic Symptom Disorders. World J Meta-Anal. 2021;9(6):474-87.

Koh KB, Koh KB. Approach to Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders. In: Stress and Somatic Symptoms: Biopsychosociospiritual Perspectives. 2018. p. 131-40.

Maroti D, Lumley MA, Schubiner H, Lilliengren P, Bileviciute-Ljungar I, Ljótsson B, Johansson R. Internet-Based Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy for Somatic Symptom Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Psychosom Res. 2022;163:111068.

O’Neal MA, Baslet G. Treatment for Patients With a Functional Neurological Disorder (Conversion Disorder): An Integrated Approach. Am J Psychiatry. 2018;175(4):307-14.

Klinke ME, Hjartardóttir TE, Hauksdóttir A, Jónsdóttir H, Hjaltason H, Andrésdóttir GT. Moving From Stigmatization Toward Competent Interdisciplinary Care of Patients With Functional Neurological Disorders: Focus Group Interviews. Disabil Rehabil. 2021;43(9):1237-46.

Williams DT, LaFaver K, Carson A, Fahn S. Inpatient Treatment for Functional Neurologic Disorders. Handb Clin Neurol. 2016;139:631-41.

Carandini T, Arighi A, Scarpini E. Conversion Disorders Across Psychiatry and Neurology. In: Clinical Cases in Psychiatry: Integrating Translational Neuroscience Approaches. 2019. p. 229-43.

Chystovska Y, Bratanich O, Zhurakovskyi I, Akopian A, Izvekova O. Neuropsychological Correction of Psychosomatic Disorders. Brain Broad Res Artif Intell Neurosci. 2022;13(1):145-57.

Downloads

Published

2024-08-24

How to Cite

Yumna Qandeel, Sana Rahat Ali, , A. N. K., Ahmad Naveed, Barira Ishtiaq, Syed Izhar Hussain, Zubana Afzal, & Akram Khalid. (2024). Integrative Psychotherapy Techniques for Treating Conversion Disorder: A Holistic Approach to Functional Neurological Symptom Management, A Schematic Review: Integrative Psychotherapy for Conversion Disorder. Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Research, 4(3), 1–5. https://doi.org/10.61919/jhrr.v4i3.1391

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 3 (2024): Volume 4, Issue 3 - July to September 2024

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2024 Yumna Qandeel, Sana Rahat Ali, Amina Nuzhat Khan , Ahmad Naveed, Barira Ishtiaq, Syed Izhar Hussain, Zubana Afzal, Akram Khalid

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.