Somatic symptom disorder and conversion disorder are two conditions under the same category of conditions. Because they both revolve around worry and concern over physical symptoms, people often confuse them for each other.
While somatic symptom disorder and conversion disorder share similarities, they are not the same, and understanding their differences is crucial. Having a clear awareness of what you’re experiencing can help clinicians provide support that ensures you feel validated rather than dismissed.
If your physical symptoms and anxieties are impacting your day-to-day life, a mental health professional can help you better understand the source of your issues and how to cope. This article also works as a useful guide for determining the differences between somatic symptom disorder vs conversion disorder, as it covers:
- How to understand somatic symptom and related disorders
- What somatic symptom disorder is
- What conversion disorder is
- Somatic symptom disorder vs. conversion disorder: similarities and differences
- How to diagnose somatic symptom and conversion disorders
- Therapy for conversion disorder and somatic symptom disorder
- Answers to commonly asked questions about somatic symptom disorder vs. conversion disorder
Understanding Somatic Symptom & Related Disorders
Both somatic symptom disorder and conversion disorder are part of the same group of disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). This category is called “Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders.” The conditions in this group all revolve around experiencing physical symptoms – or the belief of experiencing these symptoms – that are distressing and impact daily life.[1]
The disorders included in this category are:
- Somatic symptom disorder
- Conversion disorder
- Illness anxiety disorder (previously known as “hypochondriasis”)
- Factitious disorder (also known as “Munchausen’s syndrome”)
What ties these disorders together is that they involve physical symptoms that can be very real and distressing, but a medical condition may not fully explain them.
What Is Somatic Symptom Disorder?
Somatic symptom disorder (SSD) is a condition in which a person experiences one or more physical symptoms, such as pain, dizziness, or fatigue, that cause significant distress and impairment.
However, a medical condition may or may not explain these symptoms. Instead, the main aspect of the condition is that the person spends an excessive amount of time on thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to the physical symptoms.[2]
The thoughts, feelings, and behaviors you might experience if you’re diagnosed with SSD are:[3]
- Constant worry about having an illness
- Viewing normal physical sensations as something severe
- Thinking that physical symptoms are life-threatening or dangerous
- Fearing that symptoms are signs of something severe, despite having no evidence for this
- Frequent health care visits, tests, and exams, and not believing the results
- Feeling highly sensitive to bodily changes or sensations
It’s important to note that these symptoms are not exaggerated or imagined. Instead, the person’s response to the symptoms – worrying about what they mean, fearing the worst, or feeling unable to control them – creates additional suffering.
What Is Conversion Disorder?
Conversion disorder, also called “functional neurological disorder” (FND), is a condition where a person experiences neurological-like symptoms without an identifiable medical cause. These symptoms are very real and often disruptive, even though medical tests, such as MRIs or lab work, do not provide a clear explanation.[4]
Common conversion disorder symptoms can include:
- Weakness or paralysis in a limb
- Tremors or involuntary movements
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Difficulty speaking or sudden loss of voice
- Non-epileptic seizures or convulsions
- Vision or hearing changes not explained by medical findings
The focus with conversion disorder is on how neurological changes appear suddenly and without a link to a neurological or other medical conditions. Instead, these symptoms may be related to chronic stress, trauma, or other mental health conditions, though the person is usually unaware of this connection. Conversion disorder is not about “faking” or “making up” symptoms. These issues are very real and require compassionate care.
Somatic Mental Health Disorders Comparison: Similarities and Differences
While somatic symptom disorder and conversion disorder are distinct conditions, they share some similarities. Recognizing what makes them similar and what makes them different can help you better understand what’s happening and how to respond.
The following are the similarities and differences between somatic symptom disorder vs conversion disorder:[5]
Similarities between somatic symptom and conversion disorders:
- Both are part of the Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders category in the DSM-5
- Both involve genuinely distressing physical conditions that medical findings may not fully explain
- Symptoms are real and not under the conscious control of the person experiencing them
- Each condition can disrupt work, relationships, and quality of life
Differences between somatic symptom and conversion disorders:
- Symptom presentation: SSD involves a wider range of symptoms, such as pain and fatigue, and causes ongoing distress and worry about the symptoms. On the other hand, conversion disorder is specific to unexplained neurological symptoms like seizures or tremors
- Emotional focus: In SSD, the person’s thoughts and behaviors revolve around health concerns. In conversion disorder, symptoms may serve as a physical expression of unresolved stress or conflict, without the same level of preoccupation as in SSD
- Course of illness: SSD often follows a chronic, long-term pattern, while conversion disorder symptoms can appear suddenly, sometimes improving spontaneously, but also often returning during times of stress
By separating what is shared and what is unique in both disorders, those who experience symptoms can get the proper diagnosis and treatment.
How to Diagnose Somatic Symptom Disorder and Conversion Disorder
Getting a proper diagnosis is an important step for people with somatic symptom disorder or conversion disorder. Because the symptoms present as physical, most people seek medical support first. But often, doctors make no medical diagnosis and cannot fully understand the cause of physical symptoms. At this point, it may be helpful to seek a mental wellness evaluation.
Here’s how the diagnostic process for a conversion and somatic symptom disorder typically works:
- Ruling out medical conditions: Doctors may complete blood work, imaging, or neurological exams to check for underlying causes in order to rule out whether or not the symptoms are related to a medical condition.
- Using standardized assessments: There are no standardized assessments for conversion disorder. Instead, structured clinical interviews and neurological testing can help rule out physical conditions. But there are some standardized assessments for somatic symptom disorder. Tools such as the Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15) and the Somatic Symptom Scale-8 (SS-8) are often used to screen for the severity of somatic symptoms.[6]
- Considering emotional and situational factors: Clinicians often explore whether stress, trauma, or major life events may have contributed to the onset of symptoms.
- Collaborating evaluations: A diagnosis usually involves cooperation between primary care doctors, neurologists, and mental health professionals.
A clear diagnosis not only validates what the person is experiencing but also helps reduce unnecessary medical testing and guides treatment planning. It is the foundation for providing effective, compassionate care.
Treatment Approaches For Somatic Disorders
Psychosomatic disorder management typically involves a combination of mental health counseling, mind-body approaches, and physical healthcare. Because these disorders are complex and the symptoms are very real, effective treatment involves a collaborative and compassionate approach. This approach should not diminish your experience, but focus on helping you manage distress, improve functioning, and build resilience.
The following are some effective somatic symptom and conversion disorder treatment approaches.
Approaches for Conversion Disorder Recovery and Somatic Symptom Coping
The goal of somatic disorder support is to manage physical symptoms while also addressing the overwhelming worry and anxiety around these symptoms. Here are some evidence-based approaches for treating SSD and FND:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Helps to identify and reframe unhelpful thoughts and feelings, reduce stress and anxiety around health, and recognize what might make symptoms worse.[7]
- Somatic experiencing: A body-focused therapy that creates awareness of physical symptoms and teaches you to feel safe within your body. It can also help identify underlying trauma that the body might be holding.[8]
- Mind-body disorder therapy: Approaches like mindfulness and yoga can help you become more in tune with your body, stay in the present moment, and reduce anxiety.
- Medications for depression and anxiety: Medications can help you manage symptoms and not become so overwhelmed by them.
- Non-invasive brain stimulation treatments: Specifically for conversion disorder, treatments like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and neurofeedback can help to improve brain processing.[9]
As you may be able to tell, there is not much difference in treatment approaches between somatic symptom disorder vs. conversion disorder. Both disorders can benefit from therapy, mind-body techniques, medication for symptom management, and collaboration with medical professionals.
Mission Connection: Professional Support for Coping With Somatic Disorders
Living with somatic symptom disorder or conversion disorder can feel overwhelming, especially when symptoms don’t have a clear medical explanation.
At Mission Connection, we understand the unique challenges of somatic and functional neurological disorders. Our team takes an integrated approach that combines individual therapy, group support, and trauma-informed care.
Whether you’re struggling with ongoing health worries, sudden neurological symptoms, or the stress that comes with repeated medical uncertainty, we create a space to meet your needs and your goals. From CBT and EMDR to mindfulness and peer-based programs, we focus on helping you manage symptoms while strengthening your overall resilience.
If you or a loved one is experiencing these challenges, you do not have to navigate them alone. Contact Mission Connection today to learn more about how we can support you in finding relief, connection, and lasting change.
FAQs About Somatic Symptom Disorder vs. Conversion Disorder
The aim of this guide was to help you better understand the similarities and differences between these somatic conditions. However, you may still have some concerns or burning questions. For this reason, we’ve provided responses to some FAQs about somatic symptom disorder and conversion disorder.
What Are the Psychosomatic Disorder Differences?
People once used the term “psychosomatic disorder” to describe conditions where stress or emotions influenced physical health. Today, the DSM-5 calls them “somatic symptom and related disorders.” Within this category are somatic symptom disorder and functional neurological disorder (previously known as conversion disorder).
The main difference between both is that SSD involves ongoing worry and distress about physical symptoms. At the same time, conversion disorder causes neurological-like symptoms (such as paralysis or seizures) that do not match medical findings. Both conditions involve real, involuntary symptoms and require compassionate treatment.
How Do Doctors Tell These Disorders Apart From Medical Illnesses?
Doctors first run medical tests – such as imaging, lab work, or neurological exams – to rule out underlying physical conditions. When doctors find no clear medical cause, mental health professionals apply DSM-5 criteria and use standardized tools like the PHQ-15 or Somatic Symptom Scale-8. This careful process ensures the diagnosis is accurate and that clients receive the right care.
Can These Disorders Get Better With Treatment?
Yes. While symptoms can be very distressing, both somatic symptom disorder and conversion disorder typically respond well to treatment. Psychotherapy, especially CBT, can be highly effective. For conversion disorder, physical and occupational therapy may also play a key role in recovery.
Are the Symptoms All in My Head?
No. The symptoms are not in your head. You are not imagining the pain, fatigue, seizures, or neurological changes. These symptoms are real and disruptive, even if medical tests don’t provide an explanation. Compassionate care focuses on reducing distress, improving function, and supporting healing – not dismissing symptoms.
Does Mission Connection Treat These Conditions?
Yes. Mission Connection provides individualized care for people living with somatic symptom disorder or conversion disorder. Our team uses evidence-based approaches like CBT, DBT, EMDR, and mindfulness, while also offering group support and trauma-informed care. We focus on healing through connection and building a treatment plan that meets your unique needs.
References
- Highlights of changes from dsm-iv to dsm-5. (2013). FOCUS the Journal of Lifelong Learning in Psychiatry, 11(4), 525–527. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.focus.11.4.525
- D'Souza, R. S., & Hooten, W. M. (2023b, March 13). Somatic symptom disorder. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532253/
- Mayo Clinic. (2018, May 8). Somatic symptom disorder – symptoms and causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/somatic-symptom-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20377776
- Pourkalbassi, D., Patel, P., & Espinosa, P. S. (2019b). Conversion disorder: the brain's way of dealing with psychological conflicts. case report of a patient with non-epileptic seizures. Cureus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.3902
- Functional neurologic and somatic symptom disorders – symptoms, diagnosis and treatment | bmj best practice us. (2023, November 28). https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-us/989
- Levenson, J. L. (2025, January 23). Somatic symptom disorder: assessment and diagnosis. UpToDate. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/somatic-symptom-disorder-assessment-and-diagnosis
- Cleveland Clinic. (2025, June 2). Somatic symptom disorder in adults. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17976-somatic-symptom-disorder-in-adults#management-and-treatment
- Salamon, M. (2023b, July 7). What is somatic therapy? Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/what-is-somatic-therapy-202307072951
- Gonsalvez, I. et al. (2021). Neurostimulation for the treatment of functional neurological disorder: a systematic review. Epilepsy & Behavior Reports, 16, 100501. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ebr.2021.100501