Understanding Dissociative (Conversion) Disorder in Adolescents: A Theoretical Exploration of Dissociation in Response to Developmental Stress

Dissociative (Conversion) disorder (hereafter, DCD) in adolescents manifests as a complex interplay between psychological distress and physical symptoms, such as psychogenic nonepileptic seizures, episodes of unresponsiveness, tremors, and other unexplained physical symptoms. These physical presentations, without a clear medical basis, often signal underlying psychological distress and have drawn growing interest, particularly concerning how developmental stressors may trigger dissociative responses in adolescents. Adolescence is marked by profound physical, emotional, and social transitions. For some adolescents, the cumulative pressures from these developmental demands can exceed their coping capacities, leading them to employ dissociation as a defense mechanism. This article employs a systematic approach to identifying, analyzing, and synthesizing relevant literature on the theoretical frameworks that link developmental stress, adolescent psychological challenges, and the emergence of dissociative responses. It offers a cohesive understanding of DCD in the context of adolescent stress and coping dynamics.