Hysterical neurosis is a term used in psychology to describe a condition that is characterized by emotional instability, anxiety, and vulnerability. The word "hysterical" is spelled as /hɪ'stɛrɪkəl/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with stress on the second syllable, while "neurosis" is spelled as /nju:'rəʊsɪs/, with stress on the first syllable. The word "hysterical" derives from the Greek word "hysterikos" meaning "of the womb" and was originally thought to affect only women. This term has now been replaced by the more neutral term "conversion disorder."
Hysterical neurosis, also known as hysteric neurosis or conversion disorder, is a psychological condition characterized by the presence of physical symptoms that have no identifiable medical cause. It falls under the umbrella of somatoform disorders, which involve physical symptoms without any accompanying organic pathology.
Individuals suffering from hysterical neurosis may exhibit a wide range of symptoms, including but not limited to paralysis, tremors, blindness, deafness, or altered sensation in different parts of the body. These symptoms are often seemingly contradictory or inconsistent, and may shift or disappear without any apparent reason. The symptoms are believed to be a manifestation of psychological distress or unresolved conflict, with the individual's psychological trauma being "converted" into physical symptoms.
The term "hysterical" in the context of this disorder harkens back to its historical association with the word "hysteria," which was once used to describe a diverse set of physical symptoms observed mainly in women. However, it is now recognized that hysterical neurosis can affect individuals of any gender.
Treatment approaches for hysterical neurosis typically involve psychotherapy and often employ techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or psychodynamic therapy. The aim is to help the individual understand the underlying psychological factors contributing to their symptoms and develop healthier coping mechanisms. In some cases, medications may be prescribed to address any coexisting mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression.
It is important to note that the term "hysterical neurosis" is considered somewhat outdated in modern psychiatric literature, with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) now using the term "conversion disorder" to describe the same condition.
The term "hysterical neurosis" originated from a combination of two distinct words: "hysterical" and "neurosis".
1. Hysterical: The term "hysterical" can be traced back to the ancient Greek word "hystera", which means "uterus". In ancient Greek medicine, it was believed that certain psychological symptoms primarily affected women and were caused by disturbances in the uterus. These symptoms included emotional instability, fainting, uncontrollable laughter or crying, and various sensory disturbances. The term "hysteria" was used to describe these symptoms, linking them to the uterus.
2. Neurosis: The term "neurosis" traces its roots to the late 18th century from the Greek word "neurón", meaning "nerve".