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» Hysteria - causes and methods of treatment. Female hysteria and its treatment: a history of the disease & nbsp Diagnosis of hysteria

Hysteria - causes and methods of treatment. Female hysteria and its treatment: a history of the disease & nbsp Diagnosis of hysteria

Mental disorders, accompanied by a number of psychosomatic deviations, peculiar behavioral reactions in the form of nervous breakdowns and seizures, are called hysteria. The disease is typical for women, less often it manifests itself in men. Female hysteria is an outdated diagnosis that implies a number of mental disorders of moderate to mild severity. Such manifestations are the result of an incorrectly established system of values ​​and immaturity of behavioral reactions. The problem appears from childhood. Complex methods, the search for the true causes, their relief and long-term psychological rehabilitation will help to stop the hysteria.

Hysteria concept

Initially, the term "hysteria" was applied only to women. Signs of hysteria in women included emotional demonstrative behavioral reactions, including:

  • scream;
  • tears;
  • unreasonable long laughter;
  • paralysis;
  • convulsive muscle contractions;
  • loss of sensitivity;
  • temporary deafness, blindness;
  • increased sexual activity.

Hysteria was called "uterine rabies" and the treatment consisted of influencing the genitals. At first, the doctor did it manually. Then vibration machines were created. A little later, for treatment, they began to use the effect on the genitals with jets of water. With the development of psychology, it was found that a woman can be calmed down in other ways, and not all nervous breakdowns are the result of sexual dissatisfaction.

Today, there is no diagnosis of hysteria. The correct chain of diagnoses was derived, which are characterized by certain symptoms and signs.

  1. Disturbing hysteria.
  2. Dissociative Disorders.
  3. Hysterical disorders.
  4. Somatomorphic disorders.

Most accurately the old concept of hysteria in women determines the diagnosis - hysterical psychopathy.

Personality disorder is characterized by extreme concentration on one's own person (egocentrism), the desire to attract more attention to oneself. A person's behavioral responses are often faked.

Self-centeredness provokes personality disorder and the development of hysterical psychopathy

Hysterical psychopathy in women manifests itself equally often with men. According to research by American scientists, 2-7% of the world's population suffers from constant breakdowns.

Frustration does not in every case lead to the rupture of social ties, a decrease in professional skills. Some of the patients with this diagnosis become successful in the field of art.

Women's hysteria is characterized by the desire to be in the center of attention at any cost and the inability to sensibly and adequately perceive criticism. Patients are highly suggestible, so often their life path ends in complete collapse. Treatment through psychocorrection allows you to achieve sustainable compensation for behavioral reactions. But the disorder cannot be completely cured.

Main reasons

Scientists have not been able to find out the true reasons for the appearance of deviations. It is known for sure that 3 factors provoke symptoms.

  1. Genetic predisposition.
  2. Brain damage at birth, as a result of childhood trauma or certain infectious diseases (meningitis, flu, etc.).
  3. Wrong upbringing system that puts the value of a person above the interests of others.

A child can inherit from parents or acquire in the process of life the following character traits that will push to the appearance of pathology: increased emotionality, strong impressionability. Usually, a person with a similar disorder quickly perceives the external picture, without concentrating on the details.

Women's hysteria often manifests itself as a result of the wrong influence on the personality at an irresponsible age by parents and society. Tantrums in childhood are not stopped, but encouraged. Due to the fact that the child is still too young to understand the rules and norms of behavioral reactions, he expresses his emotions, feelings and desires, as best he can, that is, hysterics. Often, from childhood, girls are taught the concept of inequality: social, sexual. The child is initially taught that the sexual partner has more power, less vulnerable.

Hysterics in women becomes a stable form of behavior in puberty, when parents reject the concept of developing sexuality in a child.

Parents reject the child again at the moment when he needs a role model that will help him realize the norms of behavioral reactions adopted in society. So mom becomes a competitor, and dad begins to move away from her daughter, does not participate at all in her life and the formation of values. Along with this, the first signs of hysteria begin to appear, characterized by defiant behavior, including aggression, the use of methods of attracting the opposite sex through certain manipulations. It is not uncommon for girls with hysterical disorder to have early sexual intercourse.

Often teenage girls with hysterical disorder start early sex

The increased level of hormones in puberty, overwork, lack of understanding of the parents causes a stable stressful state. The girl forms her own separate opinion, cannot cope with hormonal disruption and finds herself closed in her own world with fears.

The body perceives all psychogenic and physical factors as a threat, which forms a constant protective reaction and leads to frequent nervous breakdowns, as a result of which the patient throws tantrums. Under the influence of a combination of factors, an incorrect perception of oneself as a person and the surrounding picture is formed. The concept of their inferiority, weakness in front of the opposite sex appears. Personality conflict leads to a persistent desire to gain power over people of the opposite sex and fear of them, since the girl's guys seem to be unpredictable in their actions, uncontrollable.

Symptomatic picture

A hysterical girl shows the first signs of a hysterical disorder already in childhood, at the age of 5-6 years.

The child needs all the attention of others, which he tries to achieve in a variety of ways. The girl painfully perceives criticism and praise from other children. The child prefers to show his abilities in front of adults, to communicate with peers. At school, the only motivation is praise, admiration. Without the support of adults, the child quickly refuses to complete the assigned tasks, reacts violently to comments and complaints about his behavior. Hysterics in a little girl becomes a norm of behavior that allows you to get compassion, things of interest or everyone's attention. Failure in studies and sports cause tantrums. Often, a nervous breakdown is accompanied by falling to the floor, convulsions, and aggressive behavior.

An important factor determining the success of treatment is the creation of a normal psychogenic situation at home and the support of loved ones. The husband and relatives are consulted on how to behave properly with a woman.

Even after adequate treatment, female hysterics can manifest itself in episodes when a crisis occurs.

Hysteria - symptoms

The functioning of a healthy organism is similar to a well-oiled mechanism. All of our organs work according to the situation. We can control our behavior by being silent at the right moment or, on the contrary, by raising our voice. We get aroused when we sense danger and remain calm when we are not in danger. We motivate our actions and experience quite natural emotions.

Signs of hysteria break the usual mechanism. Activity and excitement have no easy explanation. Similarly, it is impossible to explain why some organs are tense, while others, on the contrary, are relaxed. Today we will tell you what symptoms accompany the state of hysteria.

The concept of hysteria appeared in ancient times, and the word itself, translated from Greek, means "womb". The cause of hysteria in women (and the disease was attributed only to women) was considered nothing more than the wandering of the uterus. Especially women got it in the Middle Ages - many sick people were burned at the stake, as if possessed by demons (this is how a fit of hysteria was perceived). Even later, the disease began to be interpreted as the result of self-hypnosis.

Today, the diagnosis "hysteria" refers to an illness that is caused by mental trauma, which causes a subconscious desire for a recurrence of a painful symptom.

Doctors note a certain pattern of hysterical reactions. The fact is that the symptom of hysteria is not so unreasonable, roughly speaking, it gives the patient the opportunity to escape from reality, or helps to find a way out of a difficult situation.

Signs of hysteria

  • feeling anxious or depressed;
  • imbalance;
  • excessive activity or, on the contrary, apathy;
  • talkativeness or isolation;
  • memory losses;
  • frequent and unreasonable mood swings;
  • annoying thoughts, scraps of phrases, melodies constantly scrolling in the head;
  • theatrical behavior;
  • a nervous rash.

In more severe cases, the following are possible:

It rarely happens that the symptoms of hysteria begin to manifest themselves in childhood. Usually they are noticed at the age of 16-25. Sometimes the symptoms go away on their own, without treatment, at a more mature age. But sometimes hysteria persists for many years. If the disease is neglected, then it gradually changes the character of a person. Women's hysteria, as a rule, leads to selfishness, excessive irritability and unnatural, theatrical behavior. If the patient develops these symptoms, then hysteria has become chronic and requires treatment.

Human nature is multifaceted. Some emotions and character traits are usually attributed to women. However, not everything is so simple. If women often show something, this does not mean that men cannot show it. Hysteria is considered both a painful condition and an everyday whim. Its signs of manifestation, causes of occurrence and methods of treatment should be considered.

Hysteria is different: psychological and everyday. In the first case, we are talking about a disease that refers to neuropsychiatric abnormalities with the manifestation of a whole complex of symptoms:

  1. Tears.
  2. Headache.
  3. Laugh.
  4. Cramping.
  5. Screams.
  6. Deafness and blindness.
  7. Convulsions.
  8. Sobbing.
  9. Clouding of consciousness.

About 8% of the population suffers from hysteria. The most severe form of this disease is hysterical psychopathy. The most important symptom of this disease is a hysterical fit, when a person screams, cries harshly, arches, etc. It should be noted that this type of behavior is not enacted. Usually, the first attacks appear in childhood. If parents have noticed certain signs of hysteria, then you should contact a child psychoneurologist.


If we are talking about everyday hysteria, then everything is much simpler here. It is a question of a character trait or even a performed performance that is designed specifically for a specific person. The specialists of the site of psychological help, the site even give unequivocal advice to the people at whom the played tantrum is directed - ignore, do not pay attention.

As they say, the performance lasts exactly as long as the audience participates in it and reacts to it. If there are no spectators, then the performance will end. This advice is especially important in relations between children and adults, where babies should be weaned from hysterical behavior, as well as between lovers, where one partner tries to manipulate the other through hysteria.

What is hysteria?

In the old days, hysteria was attributed only to the female sex. It was also called "uterine rabies" and "hysterical neurosis." To date, psychologists note hysterical seizures for men. What is hysteria that is inherent in both sexes? Hysteria is a mental disorder that is accompanied by autonomic, motor, functional and affective disorders in human behavior.


Hysteria arises on the basis of self-hypnosis and is aimed at attracting attention to oneself.

Today, hysteria is considered a disease that is inherent in both women (who previously attributed this condition as one of the types of behavior) and men. It is necessary to distinguish the morbid state from the everyday behavior of hysteria. In the first case, we are talking about a disease that cannot be cured without the help of a specialist. In the second, you only need the help of a psychologist and radical, decisive actions on the part of those at whom the hysteria is directed.

How does everyday hysteria manifest? A hysterical person easily succumbs to disappointments and thinks of himself as omnipotent. Unconsciously, he is sure that the world was created for him and people should fulfill his every whim. Such, being overbearing, demanding and selfish, exaggerates everything, making an elephant out of a fly. He does not tolerate objections, so he uses all sorts of tricks: constantly crying, sobbing, putting on theatrical performances, hoping for compassion, or pushing people away by insulting them, showing emotional or physical aggression. In essence, he behaves like an ill-mannered and capricious child who tries to get what he wants at any cost.

There are several types of hysteria, which even lead to the appearance of real symptoms of fictitious diseases. So, in medicine, "hysterical pregnancy" is known - an increase in the abdomen in the absence of a fetus. There are also "hysterical paralysis" and "hysterical blindness." This is all mentioned only to demonstrate what such a disorder can lead to. It is interesting to consider how this hinders realization in love if one of the partners behaves irrationally or infantile.


According to experts in this field, the real cause of hysteria is the fear of incest, that is, the woman's fear of having sex with her father or, in the case of a man, with her mother. All this is connected with the Oedipus complex and the fear of castration. On the one hand, there is attraction, on the other, repulsion due to the fact that the partner in some way reminds him of the parent of the opposite sex. Such complexes also provoke theatricality and effects, with which, for example, a woman unconsciously tries to attract the attention of her father and gives vent to her emotional outbursts only when she has a suitable audience.

The law is this: without an audience, there is no hysteria; a show is never staged alone.

A hysterical person is by no means frigid or impotent, but, on the contrary, passionate, but restrains his sexuality, since he associates sexual intercourse with the danger of incest and suppresses himself until he explodes, giving vent to sexual tension through emotions. If this is repeated often, then it leads to the formation of more or less stable patterns of behavior.

Hysteria is a kind of emotional orgasm. In romantic relationships, she is usually associated with jealousy and awakens rough, lustful impulses. A jealous hysterical person resorts to the most terrible insults, humiliating his partner, and causes a latent, rough sexual arousal.

What are the reasons for hysteria?

Psychologists attribute various internal and external factors to the causes of hysteria. In many ways, everything depends on the emotional component of a person and his personal qualities. Suggestibility plays a significant role, which affects the train of thought of a hysterical person and his emotional state.


Hysteria is attributed to the consequence of a complex development in which a person finds himself, or to a nervous overstrain, which often arises from the need to restrain one's own emotions. Let's remember that a person is taught not to show his emotions, not to show negative feelings, to restrain himself. Society itself develops hysteria in a person, since emotionally weak people are not able to hold back for a long time. Restrained emotions sooner or later break out, which makes a person behave inappropriately.

Factors contributing to the development of hysteria include:

  • Physical stress.
  • Unfavorable family environment.
  • Dissatisfaction with life or professional sphere.
  • Excessive use of tranquilizers or sleeping pills.
  • Injuries.
  • Alcohol abuse.
  • Narcissism.
  • Schizoid psychopathy.
  • Excitable psychopathy.

Psychologists call the main reasons for the appearance of a large number of hysterical people:

  1. Immaturity of the psyche. Today, a person is becoming more and more younger not only in body (striving for eternal youth), but also in soul (preservation of infantilism). Modern man grows more and more suggestible, impressionable, dependent, excitable, selfish and emotionally unstable. All this is the result of a special upbringing, as well as those goals that should be achieved by modern successful people.
  2. Stressful situations. Various conflicts, difficulties, life problems and simply stressful situations arise in a person every day. Depending on the strength of the psyche and the emotional sphere, a person either calmly passes through them, or breaks down, becomes hysterical.

What are the signs and symptoms of hysteria?

In the usual way, hysteria is recognized by the following signs and symptoms:

  • Screams.
  • Paralysis.
  • Tears.
  • Deafness.
  • Convulsions.
  • Laugh.
  • Blindness.
  • Increased sexual activity.
  • Clouding of consciousness.

However, scientists have long begun to divide hysteria into different types of disorders: somatoform disorders, hysterical personality disorder, conversion (dissociative) disorders, anxiety hysteria.

Today, hysteria is attributed to hysterical personality disorder, which manifests itself in:

  1. Superficial judgments.
  2. Desire to attract attention.
  3. Self-hypnosis.
  4. Inclination to fantasize.
  5. Suggestibility.
  6. Mood swings.
  7. Theatricality of behavior.

The conversion form of hysteria is manifested in:

  • Tremor.
  • Paralysis.
  • Blindness.
  • Deafness.
  • Seizures.

The dissociative form of hysteria is manifested in:

  • Narrowing of the field of view.
  • Selective amnesia.

Hysteria is diagnosed by doctors if there are at least three signs:

  1. Labile and superficial emotionality.
  2. Self-drama, exaggeration of the situation.
  3. Inadequate seduction.
  4. Concern about physical attractiveness.
  5. Suggestibility and susceptibility to the influence of others.
  6. Excitement, desire to be recognized and in the spotlight.
  7. Tendency to resentment.
  8. Egocentrism.
  9. Pretense.
  10. The desire to manipulate others in order to satisfy personal desires.
  11. Shallow and superficial emotions.
  12. Provocative behavior.
  13. Variability of speech.

How is hysteria treated?

Hysteria has to be treated, especially if this condition is already an integral part of the person. First of all, one should differentiate hysterical from epileptic seizures. How to do it? Observe. A hysterical seizure is accompanied by a fall on the floor of a person so as not to harm himself. Movement is chaotic, there is no requirement to give any medication.


With a hysterical seizure, a person has no frothy discharge from the mouth, spontaneous defecation and urination, biting of the tongue. After a fit of hysteria, a person does not fall asleep, he may even return to the activity that he was engaged in before. All this distinguishes hysteria from epilepsy.

At the time of the seizure, first aid should be given to the hysterical:

  1. Calm down.
  2. Remove extraneous persons.
  3. Transfer the patient to a place where it is calm.
  4. Do not pay attention to the patient, while seeing him.
  5. Give a sniff of ammonia alcohol.
  6. Do not hold the patient by the arms, head, or shoulders.

The treatment of hysteria should be dealt with by a psychiatrist, who will first assess the situation, and then decide on the treatment. The support of the close circle is important, which must behave patiently and calmly.

The psychiatrist prescribes:

  • General strengthening procedures.
  • Psychotropic medicines.
  • Autogenic training.
  • Suggestion.
  • Persuasion methods.
  • False placebo injections in children.

Outcome

Hysteria is a consequence of the instability of the psyche and emotions, as well as strong emotional stress. It can be both everyday, that is, feigned, and real, that is, painful. Depending on the desire of a person to get rid of his hysterical state, one or another treatment is prescribed, where the help of loved ones is important.

The structure of human consciousness is unique due to its complex and rich structure. Each temperament and personality type has its own characteristics. There are many interesting stereotypes in this area. According to most people, hysteria is characteristic of the fair sex. However, this is not the case. Let's take a look at what hysteria is and some interesting facts about this personality disorder.

Hysteria is a neurotic disease with multiple clinical manifestations

What is hysteria

There are two main forms of hysteria: everyday and psychological types. Psychological hysteria is a complex disease that belongs to the group of neuropsychiatric pathologies. This condition is characterized by symptoms such as tearfulness, migraine, convulsions and spasms, disturbances in the work of sensory centers, attacks of dullness and nausea.

According to statistics, approximately eight percent of the people inhabiting our planet are owners of the diagnosis in question.

According to experts, one of the most severe forms of this pathology is the hysterical form of psychopathy. The clinical manifestations of this type of disease are harsh crying with a transition to a cry and hysterical seizures. In most cases associated with this disease, the first signs of the disease appear in childhood. It should be noted that this behavior during seizures is not feigned. Having discovered the symptoms characteristic of hysteria in your child, you should immediately contact a neuropsychiatrist.

The everyday type of hysteria is characteristic of people with a certain temperament. It is important to note that such a manifestation of emotions is a kind of performance that is intended for a specific audience. Psychologists recommend not to succumb to such provocations and completely ignore them. It should be remembered that the duration of hysterical attacks depends on the degree of involvement of the people around them in this process. For a person in such a state, the reaction of the "audience" is very important. Lack of reaction speeds up the end of the concert.

Household hysteria in children is one of the ways to manipulate their parents. When the baby is unable to meet his needs and achieve the desired goal, he uses crying and tears as a tool to control the will of the parents. In older age, people who have not been able to get rid of this behavior trait begin to use hysterics to manipulate their partners.


Hysteria is a mental disorder that manifests itself in a variety of functional, autonomic, motor, sensory and affective disorders

The nature of the pathology

Just a few decades ago, hysteria was considered an exclusively female pathology. Among the people, this disease has received such names as "hysterical neurosis" and "rabies of the uterus." A more in-depth study of the disease revealed that some signs of hysteria are also characteristic of the stronger sex. Today, hysteria is characterized as a complex mental disorder. Pathology can be complicated by affective and functional changes in human behavior. The emergence of pathology is facilitated by high self-hypnosis and the desire to constantly be in the center of attention of others.

According to experts, the disease in question is more typical for women. Psychologists talk about the importance of having the ability to distinguish the signs of the disease from the everyday form of manifestation. In the case of a mental illness, the patient needs immediate psychotherapeutic help. And in situations related to everyday manifestation, it is important to direct all efforts to change a person's personality. In this case, the decisive role is assigned to those people in whose direction hysterical fits are directed.

The everyday form of hysteria is formed on the basis of various disappointments and excessively high self-esteem. In such a state, people are firmly convinced that the world revolves around them, and the destiny of others is to fulfill any whims. For people with a similar demeanor, such qualities as selfishness, exactingness and imperiousness are characteristic. A specific character trait is a love of exaggerating the scale of problems. In order to achieve what they want, "hysterical people" use their tears and screams as a tool to manipulate others.

The purpose of the "concert" is to evoke a feeling of compassion in those around. In some cases, not finding sympathy, a person may become embittered and begin to take out aggression on others.

This behavior can be compared to a child's whims, when a child uses tears in order to achieve what he wants. Hysteria in psychology is a complex disease that has many different forms of manifestation. There are several forms of diseases that are accompanied by the formation of clinical signs characteristic of fictitious diseases.

One of these forms is "hysterical pregnancy", which is characterized by an increase in the abdomen in the absence of an embryo. In addition, there is "hysterical paralysis" and "hysterical loss of vision." The need to mention these pathologies is explained by the importance of demonstrating the danger of the disease.

Let's look at how hysteria becomes a barrier to the realization of an individual in relationships with the opposite sex. According to experts, the real reason for the formation of hysteria is the fear of incest, which is expressed in the form of fear of sexual relations with close relatives. Experts say that there is a close relationship between hysteria and the Oedipus complex. A person is under the power of attraction and repulsion, since the other half has specific personality traits that are characteristic of one of the patient's parents. The same complex leads to the emergence of "public play", the task of which is to attract the attention of parents and throw out the accumulated negative in the presence of a suitable audience.


Hysteria is characterized by great self-hypnosis and a desire to attract the attention of others.

Psychologists point out that hysteria attacks occur only when spectators are present. People prone to hysteria constantly restrain their emotions, which sooner or later leads to their spontaneous outburst. Frequent repetitions of emotional outbursts contribute to the formation of a certain pattern of behavior. Female hysteria is one of the ways to achieve euphoria, thanks to the release of accumulated emotions.

Causes of hysterical personality disorder

Hysteria is a multifactorial disease that forms under the influence of internal and external stimuli. An important role in the development of the disease is assigned to the emotional state of the individual and his temperament. An important component is the level of suggestibility, which determines the flow of human thoughts.

According to researchers of psychological diseases, hysteria is a consequence of complex internal conflicts. The development of pathology is facilitated by constant nervous tension that occurs against the background of the need to restrain emotions. Such pedagogical mistakes, consisting in teaching the containment of negative feelings and emotions, lead to the fact that the public contributes to the development of pathology. People with weak willpower and emotional instability are unable to contain their feelings for a long time. An emotional outburst leads to inappropriate behavior and other problems inherent in the disease.

Among the factors provoking the formation of hysteria, experts distinguish:

  1. Prolonged physical and emotional stress.
  2. Unfavorable climate within the family or work collective.
  3. The inability to meet the minimum life needs.
  4. The systematic use of drugs that alter consciousness, sleeping pills and alcoholic beverages.
  5. Narcissism.
  6. Excitable and schizoid form of psychopathy.

The main reason for the formation of hysterical personality disorder is mental immaturity. Infantile demeanor and the desire to stay young are characteristic of the modern world. Most people living in metropolitan areas show high suggestibility and impressionability, which leads to mild emotional excitability and mental instability. The above problems are the result of mistakes in the educational process, as well as false goals, which are valued in modern society.

Also, mention should be made of the negative impact of stress factors. A person faces stress on a daily basis, trying to solve work issues and life problems. How a person copes with such barriers depends on the strength of mental health.

Mass hysteria is a unique medical phenomenon that manifests itself as a mental epidemic. At the heart of this phenomenon is the increased suggestibility inherent in many people. According to experts, mass psychosis is rarely manifested and is characterized as a defeat of a group of people, which leads to a violation of the perception of the surrounding world. It is this phenomenon that experts use as evidence of the human personality's susceptibility to the herd instinct.


Hysteria is an outdated medical diagnosis for a range of moderate to mild mental disorders.

Clinical picture

The presence of hysterical personality disorder is diagnosed based on the presence of symptoms such as tearfulness, loudness, temporary paralysis, seizures, loss of vision, episodes of confusion, and increased libido. These symptoms are common in many forms of personality disorder. It should be mentioned that today, the disease in question is divided into the following forms:

  • somatoform disorders;
  • hysterical personality disorder;
  • conversion type of pathology;
  • disturbing hysteria.

Symptoms of hysteria in women related to personality disorder are manifested in the form of increased suggestibility, a tendency to fantasize and sudden changes in mood. This form of the disease is characterized by a pathological thirst for the attention of others and superficial judgments. Symptoms of the conversion form of pathology are manifested in the form of seizures, seizures, tremors of the extremities and disturbances in the work of sensory senses.

The dissociative type of disorder is characterized as selective amnesia, changes in worldview, labile emotionality and inappropriate behavior. All patients with hysteria are characterized by such personal changes as egocentrism, narcissism, pretense and a thirst for public attention. The increase in suggestibility leads to drama and exaggeration of life's difficulties. Often, patients are diagnosed with disturbances in the perception of the world around them, disturbances in the functioning of the speech apparatus and emotional vulnerability. The development of pathology contributes to a change in the psychoemotional balance, which affects the patient's sensitivity.


The reasons for hysterical behavior include internal and external factors.

Treatment methods

Treatment of hysteria is necessary in cases where such a condition becomes an integral part of the human personality. During the examination, the doctor uses a differential technique in order to exclude the likelihood of developing epileptic seizures. The main difference between an epileptic seizure is the chaos of movements, the absence of the instinct for self-preservation and the clouding of consciousness. During hysterical attacks, the patient has no signs such as spontaneous urination and defecation. Experts note that after the end of the hysteria, the person can continue the occupation that he was passionate about before the crisis. It is the above signs that make it possible to distinguish epilepsy from hysteria.

The therapy of the pathology in question is dealt with by specialists in the field of psychiatry. The treatment strategy is determined based on the patient's condition. Throughout the entire process of therapy, the patient should feel the care and attention of their loved ones. The complex treatment includes various psychotherapeutic techniques, autogenous training and general strengthening physiotherapy. In the case of a severe form of the disorder, psychotropic drugs and methods of suggestion are used.

Conclusion

Hysteria is a complex mental disorder that develops against a background of prolonged mental stress and emotional instability. Manifestations of hysteria can be caused both by the influence of the disease and be a specific character trait.

Thank you

The site provides background information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. A specialist consultation is required!

What is hysteria?

At the end of the 19th - beginning of the 20th centuries, the term “ hysteria"Has been widely used to refer to a range of disorders in psychology, psychiatry, and psychoanalysis. This diagnosis has been known since ancient times, but with the development of medicine, its relevance began to diminish. Currently, hysteria is not considered an independent disease, and the term is almost never used in professional circles. The problem is that, in the past, this diagnosis has included too wide a range of different mental disorders. Now in psychiatry and psychology, they are more clearly delineated into independent diseases and syndromes.
Thus, the diagnosis of "hysteria" currently indicates a low professional qualifications of a specialist. In the vast majority of countries adhering to international standards, the diagnosis needs to be made more specifically.

Hysteria in psychology, psychoanalysis and psychiatry

The term "hysteria" has long been interpreted in different ways by various scientists in medicine. In antiquity, when mental illness was not isolated from others, the causes of hysteria were sought in the disruption of the work of internal organs. Much later, in the 17th - 18th centuries, more attention was paid to this disease.

In the modern history of medicine, hysteria has been interpreted as follows:

  • Psychology. In psychology, hysteria was interpreted as a disorder of higher nervous activity, which manifests itself in the form of peculiar seizures. The causes of this disease were considered stress or hormonal disruptions, and there was no consensus regarding the treatment at all.
  • Psychoanalysis. Hysteria as a separate category of mental disorders is found in the writings of Freud. There she is interpreted as one of the manifestations of the received mental trauma and difficult experiences. In psychoanalysis, the connection between hysteria and movement disorders and other disorders of the work of internal organs is indicated.
  • Psychiatry. In modern psychiatry, hysteria is presented as a set of characteristic symptoms and manifestations, each of which has its own reasons. Treatment involves not only long-term work with a psychoanalyst, but also taking medications depending on the existing disorders.
Modern medicine does not consider hysteria as an independent disease. Its manifestations are referred to as symptoms of other mental disorders. In some cases, hysteria is understood as hysterical personality disorder, an officially recognized mental illness.

Is hysteria diagnosed, and does hysteria have a code in the ICD ( international classification of diseases)?

Currently, the diagnosis of "hysteria" is not made. The World Health Organization and other international associations do not recommend using it due to its too general interpretation. In the past, it included not only neuroses, disorders in the mental or emotional sphere, but even paralysis and a number of cases of blindness, deafness, and loss of speech. In fact, most of these disorders are symptoms and syndromes that can be caused by a wide variety of diseases. In this regard, hysteria was not included in the current ICD-10 and does not have its own code. It has been broken down into more specific and well-defined diseases.

Nowadays, instead of hysteria, doctors often make the following diagnoses:

  • anxiety disorders of various kinds;
  • a group of conversion disorders;
  • some movement disorders;
  • some sensory disorders;
  • hysterical personality disorder ( considered a separate diagnosis from the field of psychoanalysis).

What kind of people are affected by hysteria?

It is quite difficult to say unequivocally which people are more susceptible to hysteria. Hysterics and neuroses, by and large, can happen to everyone, and it depends on a different combination of external and internal factors. However, according to the observations of psychologists and psychiatrists, there is still a certain category of people for whom the risk of such nervous disorders is higher than for others. These are people with increased mental and emotional lability. Generally speaking, it is more of a character trait and a peculiarity of temperament.

For people prone to hysteria, the following features are characteristic:

  • fast and unpredictable mood changes;
  • impressionability;
  • abundant and vivid dreams;
  • sometimes - a secluded lifestyle;
  • defiant behavior or appearance.
There is also a fairly large number of external factors that can provoke a nervous breakdown. First of all, this is severe stress, problems in life, a number of diseases of the nervous system ( sometimes as a consequence of trauma) and etc.

Hysteria according to Charcot and Freud

At the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th centuries, psychiatry rose to a new level due to the work of famous scientists. A significant contribution to the study of hysteria was made by Charcot and Freud, in whose writings this disease acquired a clearer formulation. In particular, these scientists have found that one of the causes of hysteria is various unmet needs and desires. Together with other causes and factors, they can manifest themselves in the form of periodic seizures with a change in behavior, character, and even with disturbances in the work of various organs. In fact, these are manifestations of the subconscious. People prone to hysteria often have prerequisites for this, which Charcot and Freud were looking for in childhood traumas, the peculiarities of upbringing, key events that influenced the formation of the personality during the period of growing up. The general concept has survived to this day. Modern research shows that the causes identified by these scientists do play a significant role in the development of hysteria. Modern psychiatrists have only made a clearer distinction between symptoms and syndromes by which hysteria can manifest itself.

Causes of hysteria

Hysterical disorders are a group of diseases that can have many different causes. Some of these reasons have not been identified or have not been definitively formulated so far. However, experts identify a number of factors that can affect the development of this disease.


The following factors can be considered the reasons for hysteria:
  • A certain character and psychotype. It has been noticed that people with a certain psychotype are more likely to suffer from hysterical disorders. You can determine the psychotype at the consultation of a psychiatrist or psychologist, as well as using various tests and questionnaires.
  • Hormonal background. Hormones regulate many processes in the body. Unstable hormonal levels and endocrinological problems can be considered one of the possible causes of hysteria. In particular, a connection has been proven between the level of female sex hormones and the risk of developing hysteria.
  • External factors. Various events in the patient's life can provoke an attack of hysteria. Most often these are strong emotional experiences, prolonged stress, unresolved problems. A hysterical breakdown or seizure is a peculiar way to get away from these problems or to attract the attention of others.
  • Causes of hysteria according to Freud. Freud sees hysteria as a manifestation of desires suppressed in childhood and disguised problems that have gone into the subconscious. This explains a number of psychosomatic disorders ( temporary blindness, deafness, dumbness, paralysis, etc.), which sometimes accompany hysterical attacks.
Currently, psychiatry is conducting research on all these causes and their relationship. It is believed that hysterical disorders develop as a result of a combination of several factors.

Do diseases of the uterus, ovaries and other organs affect the tendency to hysteria?

Since ancient times, it has been noted that hysteria is more common in women, which is why many doctors considered it to be the cause of the disorder of the female genital area. In particular, the name of the disease comes from the Greek word for "uterus". However, today it has been proven that pathologies previously attributed to hysteria are found not only in women. Only in some forms of the disease in patients can the direct or indirect influence of female sex hormones be detected. This partly explains that hysterical disorders can appear during or after pregnancy. It is during this period that significant changes in hormonal levels occur.

In general, neither the pathology of the uterus, nor the ovaries, nor any other internal organs can be considered the cause of hysteria. Mental disorders, into which this disease is divided today, represent a variety of disorders in the functioning of the central nervous system. They can occur in patients who are otherwise completely healthy.

Diseases, syndromes and conditions similar to hysteria

There are many different officially recognized diagnoses in psychiatry these days, each with an evidence base. In other words, criteria are defined that make it possible to establish the presence of a specific disease or disorder. Hysteria is not such a diagnosis because of the ambiguity of this term. However, there are neuroses, hysterical disorders and other pathological conditions that have been isolated from "hysteria" as a disease recognized in the past.


Neurosis

An extensive group of mental illnesses with various manifestations is called neuroses or neurotic disorders. Not all neuroses can be attributed to the concept of "hysteria" used in the past, but many of them have similar mechanisms of development, symptoms and manifestations. Patients with signs of hysteria should be examined by a psychotherapist who can clarify the diagnosis ( one of the neurotic disorders or other mental disorders).

Neurasthenia

Neurasthenia is a fairly common mental disorder, some of which can resemble hysteria. The main problem in this condition is a loss of concentration and an inability to withstand prolonged mental stress. A patient with neurasthenia cannot work for a long time or do any one thing. He becomes irritable, absent-minded, and in the later stages of the disease, signs of depression appear and other diseases may appear ( frequent colds, problems with internal organs, etc.). Often psychiatrists have to distinguish between hysterical disorders and neurasthenia, since these are different diseases, and they require a different approach to treatment.

Hysterics

A hysterical or hysterical seizure is a relatively short-term disruption of certain functions of the nervous system, which can be the result of various diseases. The manifestations of hysteria are very diverse - sudden mood swings ( crying, screaming, uncontrollable laughter, etc.), inappropriate behavior, sometimes - aggression. Hysterical seizures have never been considered independent diseases. Moreover, they are not always symptoms or manifestations of another pathology. An absolutely healthy person may experience hysteria as a reaction to external factors and influences. Serious psychiatric disorder can only be suspected with recurrent tantrums.

Despite the similarity of manifestations, hysteria is not synonymous with hysteria. Hysteria is best understood as a hysterical personality disorder, which can manifest itself, inter alia, in hysterical fits.

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a serious psychiatric illness that can take on many different forms and symptoms. Some manifestations make it similar to other mental disorders. In particular, before the introduction of the term "schizophrenia" into medical practice, many patients with this diagnosis were considered prone to hysteria. Even today, only highly experienced and qualified psychiatrists can clearly distinguish between these mental illnesses.

Delirium ( delirium)

Delirium is a pathological condition in which there is a pronounced clouding of consciousness. Typical symptoms of this disorder are a variety of hallucinations, delusions, impaired perception of any information. Delirium is more often not an independent disease, but a consequence of another pathology ( infection, poisoning, drug intoxication, etc.). In principle, some types of hysterical disorders can be accompanied by delirium. The line between these pathologies is difficult to define. However, delirium, unlike hysteria, has its own code in the international classification of diseases, which means it is a full-fledged independent diagnosis.

Classification, forms and types of hysteria

There is no single classification of hysteria, simply because at the moment such a disease is not singled out into a separate category. Psychiatrists and psychologists of the 19th century had different classifications, but at the moment they are not relevant. The most practical is the division of the term "hysteria" into a number of diagnoses specified in the International Classification of Diseases ( ICD). It is argued here for the allocation of each type of hysteria with its features of manifestation. In addition, this classification allows for effective treatment.


Hysterical personality disorder

Currently, most qualified specialists mean hysterical personality disorder by hysteria. It is an independent mental disorder, the existence of which is recognized by modern psychiatry. It is interesting that hysteria is not always a manifestation of this pathology. The patient may not have any seizures or breakdowns at all. The disease manifests itself in characteristics and behavior, and only under certain conditions does it cause severe visible symptoms.

The most common manifestations of hysterical personality disorder are:

  • the constant need for the attention of others;
  • inappropriate behavior, behavior or reaction, the reason for which is the desire to be in the center of attention;
  • artsy and catchy appearance ( including unusual hairstyles, tattoos, peculiar clothes, etc.);
  • a tendency to sex-related complexes;
  • self-esteem problems;
  • difficulties in implementation in work or social activities, etc.
All of these signs and manifestations are very common in many people, and hysterical personality disorder is difficult to diagnose. Rather, these are features of a certain psychotype, the carrier of which, in principle, is already sick. In case of stress or aggravation of internal problems and contradictions, the disease will manifest itself in the form of attacks with symptoms characteristic of hysteria ( hysteria, palpitations, disturbances in the functioning of the senses, etc.).

Hysteria in women ( female)

Initially, hysteria was considered a purely female disease. Nowadays, it has been proven that hysterical disorders can develop in men. However, statistics show that women suffer from them much more often. This is partly due to the influence of female hormones and periodic changes in hormonal levels during the menstrual cycle. Indeed, hormones can affect the central nervous system, causing certain changes in behavior and making a woman more vulnerable to external factors ( prolonged stress, difficult emotional experiences, etc.). At the same time, not all women are susceptible to such disorders. At the present time, perhaps, all the factors and mechanisms responsible for mental disorders, which are understood as hysteria, have not yet been identified.

For female hysteria, the following symptoms and manifestations during an attack are also characteristic:

  • sharp drops in blood pressure;
  • redness or paleness of the skin ( mostly faces);
  • active gestures and arousal;
  • increased heart rate ( sometimes with rhythm disturbances);
  • increased lacrimation and salivation.
The autonomic nervous system, which is actively involved during an attack, is responsible for most of these symptoms. A distinctive feature of these symptoms in hysteria is that the symptoms disappear quickly and without a trace. With damage to the nervous system ( which can give the same symptoms) these manifestations do not disappear so suddenly.

Hysteria in men ( male)

Hysterical personality disorder is not limited to women. In men, it has similar manifestations, although according to statistics, the symptoms in this case will not be so noticeable. A patient with this disease will also seek the attention of others. This will be the focus of his demeanor, clothing, reaction to various events. Compared to female hysteria, symptomatic seizures ( nervous breakdowns) are less common. In general, the causes of the disease are the same, and the treatment tactics will be similar, regardless of the patient's gender.

Hysteria in children ( children)

Hysteria is also found in children of different ages ( from about 4 - 5 years old), and in these cases, its manifestations will differ from those in adults. Hysterical personality disorder in children can be the result of dysfunctional family relationships, lack of attention, severe stress and anxiety. The child will also try to attract the attention of parents and others, and if ignored, quickly move on to hysterics with pronounced symptoms.

During a hysterical seizure in children more often than in adults, the following symptoms and manifestations occur:

  • the seizures themselves are more frequent;
  • the child may show anger or aggression towards others atypical for children;
  • the seizure is almost always accompanied by intense crying;
  • increased breathing and heart rate quite often leads to loss of consciousness, which ends the attack;
  • preschool children often have seizures;
  • young children during a seizure make erratic movements with their legs and arms, do not stand on their feet, wriggle;
  • a child's speech skills disappear faster than an adult's ( aphasia);
  • after the attack, the child does not remember well what happened.
All these symptoms may resemble very serious organic damage to various organs and systems. However, the examination results do not reveal objective signs of the disease. The fact is that the symptoms are of a psychosomatic nature, that is, they are explained by self-hypnosis and an overload of the central nervous system.

For the treatment of childhood hysterical disorder, it is especially important to have the correct parenting and attitude. In addition to individual work with a psychotherapist, family visits to a psychologist are recommended. Good results are obtained by choosing the right hobby ( sport sections), where the child can realize himself. Such communication influences character formation. In severe cases, a psychiatrist may prescribe a course of sedatives for a while.

Conversion hysteria

Conversion hysteria is one of the concepts in psychoanalysis that is currently not recognized as an independent diagnosis. It describes the mechanism of development of a number of neuroses and mental disorders, including hysteria ( hysterical personality disorder). Also, the concept of "conversion hysteria" explains the appearance of a number of symptoms characteristic of mental illness.

This term implies the suppression of strong experiences and shocks and their so-called "displacement" from the field of consciousness. Such suppression is fraught with the development of an internal conflict that keeps the patient in a state of constant tension, anxiety or unaccountable fear. As a result of prolonged stress, the patient begins to develop the so-called psychosomatic symptoms - in fact, the manifestations of conversion hysteria. Their difference from the usual symptoms of diseases is that during the examination it is not possible to find organic damage. For example, paralysis of the arm may develop, although the nerves, brain, and spinal cord, as well as muscles and bones, are fine.

Most often, conversion hysteria is manifested by the following psychosomatic symptoms:

  • paralysis and loss of skin sensitivity;
  • loss of pain sensitivity;
  • blindness;
  • deafness;
  • dumbness;
  • pain syndrome for no apparent reason;
  • seizures, etc.
In most cases, these symptoms appear for a relatively short time ( most often - during an attack of hysteria). However, with serious mental illness, they can persist for a longer time. To confirm conversion hysteria, it is important to rule out other causes of symptoms ( many of them may resemble, for example, a stroke or brain injury). In the absence of objective signs of other diseases, the patient is referred for consultation to a psychiatrist.

Mass and collective hysteria

Mass hysteria or mass psychosis is a very common term, but it is not directly related to medicine. In this case, we mean a phenomenon from the field of sociology, in which the actions of an individual are dictated by suggestion ( including self-hypnosis) under the influence of the crowd. In a number of people during mass hysteria, symptoms characteristic of a hysterical fit may appear, and their nature will be, as in a hysterical personality disorder, psychosomatic. It should be noted that people who are completely healthy from the point of view of psychiatry are also susceptible to mass hysteria, and such episodes, as a rule, do not require individual treatment.

Fear hysteria

Fear hysteria is one of the concepts of psychoanalysis according to Freud, which is currently not used in psychiatry as a separate diagnosis. Previously, various phobias were identified with him. In other words, a feeling of fear ( in front of something specific or just as a subjective sensation) has been a leading symptom in some types of disorders. Now some phobias are considered independent mental disorders, and some are only symptoms, manifestations or consequences of certain pathologies.

How does hysteria manifest?

In the past, a wide range of diseases were attributed to the diagnosis of hysteria, as a result of which symptoms could be very different - from sleep disturbances and sudden mood swings to serious malfunctions of the internal organs. Nowadays, experts have more clearly distinguished pathologies, and one of the criteria for this was violations in the work of individual organs or systems. The closest thing to true hysteria as seen in the past is now some dissociative disorder. Their manifestations can be very diverse.


Modern psychologists and psychiatrists consider the conditions in which symptoms appear as one of the important criteria for making a diagnosis. As a rule, this happens in the presence of other people ( one or more). Alone with himself, the patient does not show any visible disturbances. However, in severe cases, after an attack of hysteria, the patient may experience disturbances in the work of some organs and systems ( hearing impairment, vision, changes in heart rate, etc.). These symptoms do not always go away immediately.

Symptoms and signs of hysteria

Do conditioned and unconditioned reflexes change during hysteria?

Hysterical disorders often manifest as a kind of emotional breakdowns, which can be accompanied by various symptoms. In this case, the patient usually loses some of the conscious functions that are controlled by the central nervous system. During neurological examination, conditioned and unconditioned reflexes should be checked in such a patient. Conditioned reflexes are acquired throughout life. Their consolidation took place partly on a conscious level. During a fit of hysteria, they may disappear. These disorders are akin to the temporary paralysis, loss of sensation, hearing, or vision that sometimes occurs during an attack. At the same time, unconditioned reflexes are controlled by the spinal cord and are in no way associated with conscious activity. Thus, they will persist even during an attack ( knee reflex, Achilles reflex, etc.). If these reflexes disappear, organic diseases and damage to the nervous system should be looked for ( besides hysterical disorder).

Do hysteria have seizures?

According to some classifications, there is a so-called "hysterical" or "neurotic" personality type. However, this does not mean that people with such a character or psychotype necessarily suffer from hysteria. They are simply more susceptible than others to the danger of nervous breakdowns, which used to be attributed to hysteria. Most often, the disease manifests itself precisely in the form of a kind of "seizures" or seizures, between which a person can be absolutely normal. The cause of an attack of hysteria is usually prolonged stress, severe mental trauma or anxiety. Symptoms and manifestations of the disease during an attack can be very diverse - from inappropriate behavior and clouding of consciousness to obvious impairment of hearing, vision, and even paralysis. In the vast majority of cases, after an attack, all these symptoms disappear on their own or on the background of short-term treatment.

Are there hallucinations in hysteria?

Visual or auditory hallucinations are not common in patients with hysteria. However, some patients experience sensory disturbances during an attack ( impaired perception of information from the senses). This explains the temporary blindness or deafness without visible damage to the senses themselves. In principle, a patient with hysteria may complain of a taste in the mouth ( for no apparent reason) or other unusual sensations. All of this can be seen as a hallucination. It is triggered by repressed experiences and represents some sensory experience from the past. Vivid visual or auditory hallucinations, when the patient sees and hears something that does not exist, are practically not encountered in hysteria. Their appearance indicates the need to look for other mental disorders ( schizophrenia, etc.).

Are there psychological tests and a scale for hysteria?

Many psychiatrists and psychologists have worked to create special tests and questionnaires that would help identify patients prone to hysteria and other mental disorders. Currently, there are quite a few such tests. The most effective ones are used in special medical institutions. The tests available on the Internet do not always give reliable results. The difference is that the psychologist or psychiatrist conducting the test draws certain conclusions by observing the patient. In addition, to pass such tests, the necessary conditions are required ( calm atmosphere, absence of stress factors, etc.). Thus, the information from the questionnaire gives only part of the data on which the specialist relies to obtain a reliable result.

One of the most effective tests is the Minnesota Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire. It identifies the patient's personality type and his tendency to certain mental disorders. Among other things, within the framework of this questionnaire, there is a separate scale for hysteria. It should be noted that a high score on this scale does not mean that the patient is suffering from hysteria. It's just that his psychotype is prone to this disorder, but whether it manifests itself or not throughout life is the result of a combination of many internal and external factors.

Diagnostics and treatment of hysteria

Most experts agree that psychotherapy, psychoanalysis and other types of psychological assistance have a good healing effect. A qualified psychotherapist can help the patient deal with internal problems and suggest adequate methods for solving them. There are cases when such methods were used to treat severe hearing impairment, vision and even paralysis. In this case, the use of any medicinal products is not a prerequisite. At the diagnostic stage, doctors only need to exclude other serious diseases that could cause these symptoms. In principle, this is the main diagnostic measure. The final diagnosis is made by a psychiatrist after observation ( sometimes quite long) behind the patient and carrying out special psychological tests.


Hysterical personality disorder is statistically highly treatable. Most patients who see a specialist for professional help do not suffer from seizures, and they gradually become full-fledged members of society. Problems can arise with more serious mental illnesses and disorders. In severe cases, patients are hospitalized for a while to reduce the frequency of attacks. Various drugs can be used to treat such patients.

For the successful treatment of hysteria, the following components are important:

  • regular consultations with a psychologist or psychotherapist;
  • psychiatric consultation to rule out other mental disorders and prescribe medications ( of necessity);
  • assistance during bouts of hysteria;
  • support from family and loved ones;
  • if possible, elimination of stress factors from the patient's life.
Treating hysterical personality disorder is time-consuming and can take years. The main goal is to reduce the frequency of seizures. Over time, under the influence of therapeutic measures, the patient's character may change somewhat, which will be considered a recovery. It should be noted, however, that complete recovery is rarely achieved.

What to do during a fit of hysteria?

An attack of hysteria or hysterical seizure is the climax, a kind of exacerbation of the disease. This condition is accompanied by the appearance of unusual symptoms ( behavioral disorder, inappropriate response, the appearance of symptoms from the senses and other body systems) and requires urgent assistance. It should be understood that, ultimately, the patient, during an attack of hysteria, seeks attention from others and tries to escape from his own internal conflicts in this way.
  • calmness and composure on the part of others ( don't panic);
  • if possible - an adequate and calm reaction to any words or actions of the patient;
  • creating a safe environment - dangerous objects are removed from the reach, since the patient during a seizure can harm himself or others;
  • if the seizure occurs in a public place, it is better to isolate the patient ( if possible with one or more close people);
  • minimal attention and emotional empathy for the seizure patient ( its ultimate goal is to attract attention);
  • to reduce hysteria, you can give the patient a sniff of ammonia;
  • a child with hysteria should be tried to be put to bed, as often the attack ends in sleep;
  • when unusual symptoms appear ( deafness, dumbness, etc.) you should not immediately begin the examination and call specialists, since the patient must first calm down;
  • if necessary, doctors can use

Hysteria (hysterical neurosis) is a mental disorder that manifests itself in the form of affective, sensory, motor and autonomic disorders and is associated with the patient's desire to attract attention.

Hysteria is more common in women than in men

Hysterical disorders are more often observed in persons with a labile psyche, emotionally unbalanced, with increased impressionability, suggestibility and narcissistic qualities. Any change in the situation can cause a violent reaction in them. In addition, such people often have a desire to attract the attention of others by any means - with the aim of further manipulating them.

Hysteria is often observed in children from disadvantaged families. In women, this pathology of the psyche occurs several times more often than in men. In the general structure of morbidity with neuroses, hysteria accounts for about 30%. In the nature of patients suffering from hysteria, the following features are distinguished:

  • excessive sociability;
  • self-dramatization, theatricality, demonstrativeness of actions;
  • egocentrism;
  • the desire to focus on your personality;
  • striving for leadership in the family and (or) the team;
  • the desire to manipulate people;
  • pronounced fantasy up to deceit;
  • infantilism;
  • heightened self-esteem;
  • suggestibility.
Unlike psychopathy, the symptoms of hysteria are clearly manifested under the condition of the obligatory presence of other people, that is, the presence of obvious demonstrativeness is characteristic.

Causes and risk factors

The main reason for the formation of hysterical seizures is the hysterical mentality. This condition can also develop in individuals with excitable and schizoid personality disorders.

According to Z. Freud, the causes of mental disorders in absolutely all patients with hysterical neurosis are rooted in childhood. These can be experienced mental trauma, as well as sexual complexes.

Any sudden stressful situations (the death of a loved one, a conflict in a family or a team, a threat to life, a break with a loved one) serve as a trigger factor for the appearance of hysteria. The hysteria arising against their background allows patients not only to throw out their emotions, but also to derive certain benefits for themselves, for example, to get the participation and sympathy of others. This behavior is then reinforced.

Symptoms

Unlike psychopathy, the symptoms of hysteria are clearly manifested under the condition of the obligatory presence of other people, that is, the presence of obvious demonstrativeness is characteristic. All signs of hysteria come and go suddenly. They are not associated with any organic change.

The clinical picture of hysteria contains movement disorders:

  • impaired coordination of movements;
  • hand tremor;
  • aphonia (loss of voice);
  • hyperkinesis (muscle tics);
  • convulsions.

During the examination of the patient by the doctor, the manifestations of hysterical neurosis intensify.

With hysteria, patients may experience neurological disorders (unsteadiness of gait, blindness, lack of speech, deafness).

The manifestations of hysteria have characteristic features that distinguish them from the symptoms of somatic diseases:

  • for hysterical aphonia, the absence of a voice is characteristic, but at the same time the sonority of coughing remains, since with hysterical paralysis, patients do not develop atrophy of muscle tissues;
  • trying to attract attention to themselves, patients simulate fainting, respiratory distress, rush, wring their hands. But if at the moment of a seizure their attention is switched to other objects, the manifestations of hysteria disappear or their severity decreases sharply.

Hysteria can also be accompanied by sensory disturbances. They are manifested either by increased sensitivity (hyperesthesia), or, conversely, by its decrease or absence. At the same time, patients clearly indicate the localization of areas with impaired sensitivity. Sensory disturbances in hysteria also include areas of pain in any part of the body.

Often, with hysteria, one- or two-sided blindness or deafness is observed. Some patients complain of a decrease in the field of vision or incorrect color perception, but their ability to adequately orient themselves in the surrounding space is not impaired. Deafness in most cases is combined with disturbances in the sensitivity of the skin of the auricle.

The vegetative manifestations of hysteria are very diverse. These include:

  • nausea and vomiting;
  • labored breathing;
  • pain in the area of ​​the heart or other internal organs;
  • refusal to eat due to false esophageal spasm;
  • dizziness and headache;
  • itchy skin.

Another manifestation of hysteria is theatrical seizures. Wanting to attract attention to himself or achieve his requirements, the patient bends in an arc and falls "rightly", trying to do it safely for himself. Then he begins to bang his head on the floor, swing his limbs, cry bitterly or laugh out loud, with all his appearance showing that he is suffering terrible suffering. With a hysterical seizure, the patient retains a reaction of the pupils, consciousness is not lost, the face is pale or red. If the patient is slapped or doused with cold water, the seizure stops. These signs make it possible to distinguish a hysterical seizure from an epileptic one.

Diagnostics

The main criterion in the diagnosis of hysteria is that the patient has many serious complaints in the absence of organic lesions. To exclude other diseases, a thorough laboratory and instrumental examination is carried out.

In the general structure of morbidity with neuroses, hysteria accounts for about 30%.

If necessary, the patient consults an epileptologist, neurosurgeon, neurologist or other specialists.

Treatment

The main method of treatment for hysteria is psychotherapy. It allows you to establish the true cause of the onset of hysterical neurosis and teach the patient to adequately respond to life's difficulties.

Medical therapy for hysteria is carried out:

  • tranquilizers;
  • sedative phytopreparations;
  • sleeping pills (for insomnia);
  • fortifying agents.

Possible complications and consequences

With hysteria, patients may experience neurological disorders (unsteadiness of gait, blindness, lack of speech, deafness), which can cause impaired work and social adaptation, the development of severe depressive conditions.

Forecast

The prognosis for hysteria is favorable. It worsens in patients with severe somatic diseases or organic lesions of the central nervous system.

Prophylaxis

Prevention of the development of hysteria is based on measures aimed at preventing disturbances in nervous processes and psyche, increasing the resistance of the central nervous system to stress. It is especially important to carry out these activities in relation to children, since the hysterical personality structure begins to form at an early age.

It is necessary to limit the child's fantasies and imaginations to reasonable limits, involve him in communicating with peers and playing sports, avoid overprotection, and not indulge attempts to attract attention to himself with tantrums. The upbringing of a baby should take place in a calm atmosphere, which will create the preconditions for the formation of a full-fledged personality.

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