Diagnosis information

Functional neurological symptom disorder (conversion disorder)

Core diagnostic criteria, specifiers, differential considerations, and documentation support in one open, scan-friendly view.

F44.xSomatic & FunctionalLocal clinical reference

Criteria: 4 criteria, A–D
Specifiers: 9 specifiers
Differentials: 5 considerations
Severity specifier: Not listed

Core diagnostic criteria

All criteria are shown. No expand controls or hidden sections.

A
Core criterion A
≥1 symptom of altered voluntary motor or sensory function
B
Core criterion B
Clinical findings providing evidence of incompatibility between the symptom and recognised neurological or medical conditions
C
Core criterion C
Not better explained by another medical or mental disorder
D
Core criterion D
Clinically significant distress or impairment, or warrants medical evaluation

Specifiers

With weakness or paralysis: Predominant limb or body-part weakness.
With abnormal movement: Tremor, dystonia, gait disturbance, jerks.
With swallowing symptoms: Globus or dysphagia-like episodes.
With speech symptoms: Dysphonia, stuttering, or aphonia.
With attacks or seizures: Non-epileptic functional episodes.
With anaesthesia or sensory loss: Loss or alteration of sensation.
With special sensory symptoms: Visual, auditory, or olfactory disturbances.
Acute episode: Symptom duration < 6 months.
Persistent: Symptom duration ≥ 6 months.

Documentation support

Consistent with [Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder] [specifier(s)]. Following psychological stressors or conflict, there have been one or more altered voluntary motor or sensory symptoms; functional weakness or paralysis; abnormal movement; gait disturbance; tremor; dystonic posturing; swallowing symptoms; speech symptoms such as dysphonia or aphonia; non-epileptic attacks; sensory loss; visual symptoms; hearing loss; or episodes of unresponsiveness, forming a pattern incompatible with recognised neurological or medical conditions. The presentation is further characterised by internal inconsistency on examination; symptoms incongruent with known pathophysiology; fluctuating severity associated with emotional or situational factors. These symptoms have resulted in clinically significant distress or impairment, and the symptom pattern is not better explained by another medical or neurological disorder, substance effect, or factitious presentation.

Adapt this supplied template to the assessment. It is not a substitute for diagnostic reasoning or local documentation requirements.

DSM-5 DiagnosisDSM-som-functional-neurological-symptom-disorder-conversion-disorderSupplied local catalogue