What term describes a lack of concern about the nature or implications of a symptom in conversion disorder?

• A. La belle indifference
• B. Secondary gain
• C. Factitious
• D. Malingering

Answer: (A)

La belle indifference refers to a striking lack of concern or emotional reaction to a symptom, which is characteristic of conversion disorder. It reflects a dissociation between the psychological factors and the physical symptom, where the person seems unfazed or unconcerned about how the symptom affects them or what it means. This indifference is what makes it the best fit for describing the absence of worry about the symptom’s nature or implications.

Secondary gain would involve benefits that come from having the symptoms, which is about motive rather than emotional response to the symptom itself. Factitious disorder involves intentionally producing or feigning illness to assume the sick role, and malingering involves intentional symptom production for external incentives. Those describe deliberate actions or motives, not a subjective lack of concern about the symptom.