The Diagnosis of Hysteria: An Overview
Abstract
The author outlines the three predominant conceptualizations of hysteria: that described by Briquet in 1859 and revived by current researchers; hysteria as a conversion symptom; and the idea of the hysterical personality. He also reviews psychoanalytic conceptualizations of hysteria—especially the idea of hysteria as the result of repressed sexuality—and presents explanatory models alternative to them. Although there is great confusion about the diagnosis of hysteria, he concludes that the term itself is valuable for psychiatry. Suggestions for clarifying the concept include separating Briquet's hysteria and what has been termed the "hysterical personality" from their identification with hysteria and using the term in the diagnosis of hysterical conversion symptoms.
Access content
To read the fulltext, please use one of the options below to sign in or purchase access.- Personal login
- Institutional Login
- Sign in via OpenAthens
- Register for access
-
Please login/register if you wish to pair your device and check access availability.
Not a subscriber?
PsychiatryOnline subscription options offer access to the DSM-5 library, books, journals, CME, and patient resources. This all-in-one virtual library provides psychiatrists and mental health professionals with key resources for diagnosis, treatment, research, and professional development.
Need more help? PsychiatryOnline Customer Service may be reached by emailing [email protected] or by calling 800-368-5777 (in the U.S.) or 703-907-7322 (outside the U.S.).
