Conversion (functional neurological symptom) disorder
After witnessing a violent event, a woman suddenly cannot move her right arm. Neurological exam and imaging are normal, and her symptoms don't follow a known nerve distribution. The most likely diagnosis is:
Answer D: explanation for every choice
A
Illness anxiety disorder is worry about having an illness, with few or no symptoms.
B
Factitious disorder involves deliberately faking symptoms. Nothing suggests deception.
C
Somatic symptom disorder involves excessive thoughts and worry about real or perceived symptoms, not a sudden neurological deficit.
D
Correct. Conversion disorder causes neurological symptoms that are inconsistent with known neurological disease, often after stress.
TakeawayNeurological symptoms that don't fit known disease, often after stress → conversion disorder.
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Reviewed 2026-11-05 by a medical student. Spot an error? Report it with question ID ps122.