Patient with Somatic Disorder

This case study relates to Somatic symptoms and related disorders.

A 24-year-old man is admitted to the neurology service with new-onset blindness. The patient awoke on the morning of his admission entirely unable to see. A detailed workup by the neurology service, including physical, laboratory studies and imaging revealed no clear medical reason for this abnormality. The patient was found to be otherwise healthy. A psychiatric consultation was ordered. The patient tells the psychiatrist that he does not know why he is blind. He emigrated from Mexico several years ago, coming to the US to make money in order to support his sick mother. She remained ill for several years, but he was unable to send her money because he lost the money gambling. She died recently, and he became despondent because he would never see her again. 

a. What is the most likely diagnosis for this patient?

b. What is the most appropriate treatment for this patient?  

Likely diagnosis is Conversion disorder with visual sensory symptoms – blindness in this case without medical reasons.

Treatment includes cognitive behavioral therapy, empathy and regular follow up…