conversion paralysis

a psychogenic disorder in which there is an apparent loss of function of the muscles of a limb or a portion of the body for which no neurological cause can be identified. Unlike organic paralysis, reflexes may be intact, muscle tone may be normal, and the paralyzed limb may be moved inadvertently when the patient’s attention is elsewhere. This is one of the possible symptoms of conversion disorder.

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Psychology term of the day

February 25th 2025

psychomimic syndrome

a condition in which an individual who lacks physical evidence of an illness develops symptoms of an illness experienced by another person, who may have died of the disorder. The symptoms usually occur around the anniversary of the death of the other person. See also anniversary reaction.