HYSTERICAL INSANITY Meaning and
Definition
-
Hysterical insanity is a psychological disorder characterized by an extreme and irrational display of emotions, often accompanied by irrational or erratic behavior. The term "hysterical" originates from the Greek word "hystera" meaning uterus and was historically used to describe a disorder predominantly found in women. However, contemporary understanding recognizes that this disorder can affect both men and women.
Individuals with hysterical insanity may exhibit symptoms such as exaggerated emotional responses, uncontrollable laughter or crying, exaggerated anxiety or fear, dramatic and attention-seeking behaviors, and impaired judgment. These symptoms tend to be unpredictable and can rapidly shift from one extreme to another. It is important to note that the term "insanity" is not used in a legal sense but rather denotes the severe disturbance of thoughts, perception, and actions associated with the disorder.
Affected individuals often lack insight into the irrationality of their behavior, making it challenging to establish a rational and logical connection with them. The causes of hysterical insanity are not entirely understood, but it is believed to be a manifestation of deep-rooted emotional conflicts and psychological distress. Treatment typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, including psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and potentially the use of medications to manage associated symptoms such as anxiety and depression.
Overall, hysterical insanity refers to a psychological condition characterized by extreme and irrational emotional reactions, erratic behavior, and impaired judgment. While the term may have historical connotations related to gender, it is now understood that anyone can be affected by this disorder.
-
An exaggerated form of psychasthenia with emotional crises of hysterical nature.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HYSTERICAL INSANITY
- hystericalinnsanity
- hystericalinsaknity
- h ysterical insanity
- hy sterical insanity
- hys terical insanity
- hyst erical insanity
- hyste rical insanity
- hyster ical insanity
- hysteri cal insanity
- hysteric al insanity
- hysterica l insanity
- hysterical i nsanity
- hysterical in sanity
- hysterical ins anity
- hysterical insa nity
- hysterical insan ity
- hysterical insani ty
- hysterical insanit y
Etymology of HYSTERICAL INSANITY
The etymology of the phrase "hysterical insanity" can be understood by examining the origins of its individual components.
1. Hysterical: The term "hysterical" comes from the Greek word "hysterikos", which means "of the womb" or "suffering in the womb". The ancient Greeks believed that certain mental and physical symptoms peculiar to women were caused by a wandering uterus. This notion originated from the belief that when the uterus moved within a woman's body, it caused various bodily and psychological disturbances. Eventually, the term "hysteria" was used to describe a condition primarily affecting women, characterized by symptoms such as emotional excesses, fainting, and physical manifestations without apparent organic cause.
2. Insanity: The word "insanity" can be traced back to the Latin noun "insania", meaning "unsoundness", "madness", or "foolishness".
