Rosa reports experiencing dizziness and frequent loss of balance. Which psychological disorder is most likely associated with these symptoms?

• A. Conversion Disorder
• B. Major Depressive Disorder
• C. Somatic Symptom Disorder
• D. Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the symptoms described—dizziness and frequent loss of balance—and consider whether they have a clear medical or neurological cause. In psychological disorders, these symptoms often appear without a physical explanation.
2. Step 2: Review the characteristics of each disorder option: Conversion Disorder involves neurological symptoms (like dizziness or loss of balance) that cannot be medically explained; Major Depressive Disorder primarily involves mood symptoms; Somatic Symptom Disorder involves excessive focus on physical symptoms but not necessarily neurological ones; Generalized Anxiety Disorder involves chronic anxiety and worry.
3. Step 3: Recognize that Conversion Disorder is characterized by neurological symptoms such as paralysis, blindness, or balance problems that are inconsistent with medical findings, which matches Rosa's symptoms.
4. Step 4: Eliminate options that do not typically present with neurological symptoms—Major Depressive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder focus more on mood and anxiety symptoms, while Somatic Symptom Disorder involves distress about symptoms but not necessarily neurological deficits.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the symptoms of dizziness and loss of balance without a medical cause are most consistent with Conversion Disorder.