Hysteria is a mental health disorder that includes several sensory, motor, and psychic disturbances. The term "hysteria" was once used to describe a wide variety of mental and physical health symptoms experienced by women, and it was believed to be caused by the movement of the uterus. However, the term is no longer used as a diagnosis, and experts now consider it a type of conversion disorder or dissociative disorder. The underlying anxiety and depression can cause physical symptoms, and an individual with hysteria can present with a wide variety of symptoms. The following are some of the common clinical signs and symptoms presented:
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Sensory disturbances: These disturbances include paresthesia, hypersensitivity, and complete or partial loss of sensation. In severe cases, hysteria may also cause damage to other sensory organs and cause blindness, hearing loss, and loss of taste or smell.
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Motor symptoms: These symptoms include paralysis, tremors, and convulsions.
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Psychic disturbances: These disturbances include amnesia, fugue states, and dissociative identity disorder.
The causes of hysteria are not fully understood, but it is generally believed to be caused by underlying mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Dissociative disorders are generally caused by experiencing some type of trauma. Freud theorized that hysteria stemmed from childhood sexual abuse or repression. However, this theory is controversial and not widely accepted.
