HYSTERICAL FEVER Meaning and
Definition
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Hysterical fever, also known as psychogenic fever or functional fever, is a condition characterized by an elevation in body temperature without any underlying physical cause or infection. It is considered a psychosomatic, or mind-body, disorder, where psychological factors play a significant role in the onset and development of symptoms.
The term "hysterical" is derived from the Greek word "hystera," meaning womb, as it was historically believed that this condition primarily affected women and was associated with disturbances in the reproductive system. However, it is now understood that both men and women can be affected by hysterical fever.
The exact mechanism behind hysterical fever is not fully understood. It is believed to be a result of emotional or psychological stress, leading to altered functioning of the hypothalamus, the part of the brain responsible for regulating body temperature. This altered functioning can cause the body temperature to rise spontaneously.
Symptoms of hysterical fever may include a sudden onset of high body temperature, sometimes accompanied by chills or sweating. However, unlike in cases of infectious fever, there is usually an absence of other signs such as inflammation, elevated white blood cell count, or any physiological abnormalities.
Treatment for hysterical fever primarily focuses on addressing the underlying psychological factors that contribute to the condition. This may involve psychotherapy, stress management techniques, and other forms of psychological intervention. Educating patients about the nature of the disorder and reassurance are also crucial components of treatment. With appropriate management, most individuals with hysterical fever can experience a reduction or resolution of symptoms.
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F. of an irregular course and duration, sometimes running very high, occurring without obvious cause, and unaccompanied with general symptoms, in hysterical subjects.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HYSTERICAL FEVER
- hysterical feveb
- hysterical fevez
- hysterical fevev
- hysterical fevep
- hysterical feves
- h ysterical fever
- hy sterical fever
- hys terical fever
- hyst erical fever
- hyste rical fever
- hyster ical fever
- hysteri cal fever
- hysteric al fever
- hysterica l fever
- hysterical f ever
- hysterical fe ver
- hysterical fev er
- hysterical feve r
Etymology of HYSTERICAL FEVER
The term "hysterical fever" does not have a specific etymology because it is not a widely recognized medical term. "Hysterical" refers to exhibiting or deriving from uncontrolled extreme emotion, and "fever" refers to an abnormally high body temperature often associated with illness. However, the term "hysterical fever" itself is not commonly used in medical literature or diagnosis.
