Hysteria
hysteria /hys·ter·ia/ (his-ter´e-ah) a term formerly used widely in psychiatry. Its meanings have included (1) classical hysteria (now somatization disorder ); (2) hysterical neurosis (now divided into conversion disorder and dissociative disorders ); (3) anxiety hysteria; and (4) hysterical personality (now histrionic personality ).hyster´ichyster´ical
hysteria
hysteria (hister´ē
),
hysteria
Definition
The term "hysteria" has been in use for over 2,000 years and its definition has become broader and more diffuse over time. In modern psychology and psychiatry, hysteria is a feature of hysterical disorders in which a patient experiences physical symptoms that have a psychological, rather than an organic, cause; and histrionic personality disorder characterized by excessive emotions, dramatics, and attention-seeking behavior.
Description
Hysterical disorders
Patients with hysterical disorders, such as conversion and somatization disorder experience physical symptoms that have no organic cause. Conversion disorder affects motor and sensory functions, while somatization affects the gastrointestinal, nervous, cardiopulmonary, or reproductive systems. These patients are not "faking" their ailments, as the symptoms are very real to them. Disorders with hysteric features typically begin in adolescence or early adulthood.
Histrionic personality disorder
Histrionic personality disorder has a prevalence of approximately 2-3% of the general population. It begins in early adulthood and has been diagnosed more frequently in women than in men. Histrionic personalities are typically self-centered and attention seeking. They operate on emotion, rather than fact or logic, and their conversation is full of generalizations and dramatic appeals. While the patient's enthusiasm, flirtatious behavior, and trusting nature may make them appear charming, their need for immediate gratification, mercurial displays of emotion, and constant demand for attention often alienates them from others.
Causes and symptoms
Hysterical disorders
Hysteria may be a defense mechanism to avoid painful emotions by unconsciously transferring this distress to the body. There may be a symbolic function for this, for example a rape victim may develop paralyzed legs. Symptoms may mimic a number of physical and neurological disorders which must be ruled out before a diagnosis of hysteria is made.
Histrionic personality disorder
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV), individuals with histrionic personality possess at least five of the following symptoms or personality features:
- a need to be the center of attention
- inappropriate, sexually seductive, or provocative behavior while interacting with others
- rapidly changing emotions and superficial expression of emotions
- vague and impressionistic speech (gives opinions without any supporting details)
- easily influenced by others
- believes relationships are more intimate than they are.
Diagnosis
Hysterical disorders frequently prove to be actual medical or neurological disorders, which makes it important to rule these disorders out before diagnosing a patient with hysterical disorders. In addition to a patient interview, several clinical inventories may be used to assess the patient for hysterical tendencies, such as the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) or the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III (MCMI-III). These tests may be administered in an outpatient or hospital setting by a psychiatrist or psychologist.
Treatment
Hysterical disorders
For people with hysterical disorders, a supportive healthcare environment is critical. Regular appointments with a physician who acknowledges the patient's physical discomfort are important. Psychotherapy may be attempted to help the patient gain insight into the cause of their distress. Use of behavioral therapy can help to avoid reinforcing symptoms.
Histrionic personality disorder
Psychotherapy is generally the treatment of choice for histrionic personality disorder. It focuses on supporting the patient and on helping develop the skills needed to create meaningful relationships with others.
Prognosis
Hysterical disorders
The outcome for hysterical disorders varies by type. Somatization is typically a lifelong disorder, while conversion disorder may last for months or years. Symptoms of hysterical disorders may suddenly disappear, only to reappear in another form later.
Histrionic personality disorder
Individuals with histrionic personality disorder may be at a higher risk for suicidal gestures, attempts, or threats in an effort to gain attention. Providing a supportive environment for patients with both hysterical disorders and histrionic personality disorder is key to helping these patients.
Resources
Organizations
American Psychiatric Association. 1400 K Street NW, Washington DC 20005. (888) 357-7924. 〈http:// www.psych.org〉.
American Psychological Association (APA). 750 First St. NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242. (202) 336-5700. 〈ttp://www.apa.org〉.
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI). Colonial Place Three, 2107 Wilson Blvd., Ste. 300, Arlington, VA 22201-3042. (800) 950-6264. http://www.nami.org.
hysteria /hys·ter·ia/ (his-ter´e-ah) a term formerly used widely in psychiatry. Its meanings have included (1) classical hysteria (now somatization disorder ); (2) hysterical neurosis (now divided into conversion disorder and dissociative disorders ); (3) anxiety hysteria; and (4) hysterical personality (now histrionic personality ).hyster´ichyster´ical
fixation hysteria conversion disorder with symptoms based on an existing or previous organic disease or injury.
hys·ter·i·a (h -st r  - , -stîr-)n. 1. A psychiatric disorder characterized by the presentation of a physical ailment without an organic cause. 2. Excessive or uncontrollable emotion, such as fear. hys·ter ic (h-strk), hys·teri·cal (h-str-kl) adj. |
hysteria
[histir′ē·ə]
Etymology: Gk, hystera, womb
a general state of tension or excitement in a person or a group, characterized by unmanageable fear and temporary loss of control over the emotions.
hysteria (hister´ē
),n 1. a disease or disorder of the nervous system, more common in females than males, not originating in lesions and resulting from psychic rather than physical causes.
n 2. a psychoneurosis characterized by lack of control over emotions or acts, exaggeration of sensory impression, and simulation of disease or pain associated with disease. In some patients, trismus, neuralgia, and temporomandibular joint disturbance may be hysterical in origin.
n 2. a psychoneurosis characterized by lack of control over emotions or acts, exaggeration of sensory impression, and simulation of disease or pain associated with disease. In some patients, trismus, neuralgia, and temporomandibular joint disturbance may be hysterical in origin.
hysteria
a state of excitement or tension in which there is a temporary loss of control over the emotions. The term is probably an inappropriate one for use in animals. It has common usage for conditions in which animals are assumed to have lost control of their emotions because of their atypical, excessively active behavior, e.g. a sow savaging her piglets at parturition. See also farrowing hysteria.
canine hysteria
a disease characterized by fits of frantic running, terminating in convulsions. Reported in dogs fed biscuits made of flour whitened by the agene process. The process is no longer used and the disease has disappeared.
hysteria
Psychiatry A 16th century term for excessive emotional lability, anxiety etc. See Mass hysteria, Vapors.
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