Teenage Girls and Conversion Disorder

Parents at Le Roy Junior-Senior High School in upstate New York remain concerned as their teenage daughters continue to experience uncontrollable verbal outbursts, involuntary movements and tics. Although Sigmund Freud first described this combination of symptoms as Mass Hysteria, the difficult to diagnose condition is now known as Conversion Disorder.

It’s a rare condition with both psychological and neurological factors. These young women are left frustrated, behind in school and socially isolated. Not able to live a normal life, families want answers for these psychologically triggered yet real sensory and motor symptoms.

After months of investigation and a battery of health, soil and environmental tests, the Le Roy administration and state health officials report no known environmental or infectious cause. Some speculate that, in essence, the brain makes the body sick. And there may be a combination of underlying causes: a history of trauma or abuse, pre-existing anxiety or stress, a personality that is highly suggestible. 

In this situation, a high school cheerleader woke up from a nap one day with uncontrollable tics and stuttering. Known as the bellwether, a key group member can exhibit behavior that deviates from the norm, and then others develop similar symptoms. It’s not unlike other reactions from adolescents, even bullying and suicide. The group's social status and close proximity, as well as the teenager’s need for acceptance and belonging, may foster unusual and unwelcome conformity.

If you’re parenting teens, you’re probably not dealing with something as serious as a conversion reaction. But adolescence is a developmental phase that’s full of potential pitfalls, and no one gets through it unscathed. Increased awareness and support can help your kids - these practical insights may be a good place to start:

Remember what it was like for you growing up. What did you do to bond with and feel accepted by your friends? And how did you react to or resist peer pressure? Share your experiences with your kids and give them emotional support as they learn to manage their growing relationships.

Promote a positive outlook. Encourage them to develop their internal strengths and set goals that will move them forward. You’ll see that focusing on the light at the end of the tunnel will help reduce anxiety.

Don't hide your concern. You really can't anyway as your teens pick up signals from you even when you think you're protecting them. At the same time, don't burden them with information that’s more than they can handle.

Keep the lines of communication open. Discuss what they're worried about as you come face to face with your own fears. The more you are able to talk about the strains affecting all of you, the better you can cope.

Encourage stress-reducing exercise. While jogging or biking release endorphins and can elevate mood, yoga and deep breathing bring about greater relaxation. And time at the gym will not only make them feel better but increase the socialization that is so healing for teens.

Maintain structure and continuity. By stabilizing their environment with familiar routines, they'll feel more secure. Direct them toward positive role models and, as you model hopeful thinking and support their positive actions, they will begin to thrive.