Conversion Reaction
In a conversion reaction, sometimes called "conversion hysteria," the individual transfers an emotional problem into a physical disorder. This is a form of protection against an anxiety-arousing stress situa· tion. The terrn "conversion" was coined by Sigmund Freud to convey the idea that there is a transformation of psychic energy into body symptoms. In many cases, these somatic symptoms resemble real physical disturbances. The patient may become temporarily blind, deaf, or paralyzed. There may be prolonged coughing or sneezing spells. There are even conversion reactions that produce symptoms of pregnancy.
"Writer's cramp" is a common symptom. For example, a management official time and again had difficulty writing his name when it involved signing contract agreements. He blamed the difficulty on writer's cramp. After he was given a new job that did not involve responsibility in labor relations, the writing difficulty disappeared. However, life is-not so simple. In this case, writer's cramp was replaced by a new physical complaint that went along with his new job in sales. The man got a stomachache each time he went to lunch with a customer!
