Hysterical

1. Previously, this term was used to describe symptoms that are not associated with any organic disease, but arise in a person unconsciously, as a result of which he receives some benefit. Currently, hysterical symptoms are called differently - conversion disorder.

2. This term is used to describe a change in personality, which is characterized by unstable behavior and superficial, shallow feelings, as well as a tendency to manipulate other people in the relationships that arise between them.

Hysterical: The Concept and Its Modern Use

The term "hysterical" was previously used to describe symptoms not associated with any organic disease, and which a person experiences unconsciously in order to gain some benefit. However, at present, this term is giving way to a more modern concept - conversion disorder. In addition, the term "hysterical" is also used to describe a change in personality characterized by erratic behavior, superficial and shallow feelings, and a tendency to manipulate other people in their relationships.

In the past, when the term "hysterical" was used to describe symptoms, it was usually meant to refer to hysteria, a psychological condition characterized by emotional manifestations and physical symptoms that had no medical explanation. These symptoms may include loss of consciousness, involuntary movements, blindness, paralysis and other physical manifestations. Hysterical symptoms have been viewed as the result of a person's unconscious desire to gain benefit or avoid unpleasant situations.

However, in modern psychiatry and psychology the term “hysterical” is practically not used to describe such symptoms. Instead, the concept of conversion violation was introduced. Conversion disorder is a psychological condition in which emotional conflicts are expressed through physical symptoms. These symptoms may be real and may mimic organic diseases, but a thorough medical examination does not find an objective physical cause. Conversion disorder emphasizes the importance of the psychological dimension and understanding of these symptoms.

Additionally, the term "hysterical" can be used to describe certain personality traits. In this context, the hysterical personality is characterized by erratic behavior and superficial, shallow feelings. People with histrionic personality traits may be expressive and emotionally extroverted, but their emotions may be unstable and changeable. They may also have a tendency to manipulate other people in relationships in an effort to gain attention and get their needs met.

It is important to note that the use of the term "hysterical" to describe a personality can have negative connotations and is not a diagnostic term in modern psychiatry. It reflects an outdated concept of hysteria as a mental disorder. Instead, terms such as "histrionic" or "emotionally unstable personality type" are used to describe these personality traits in a modern context.

So, the term "hysterical" has had different meanings in the past and today. In the past, it was used to describe symptoms not associated with organic diseases and to indicate behavioral personality traits associated with erratic behavior and manipulative tendencies. However, in modern medicine and psychology, this term is giving way to more precise and modern terms, such as conversion disorder and histrionic personality type, which more fully and accurately describe the corresponding phenomena and conditions.

Hysterical or Hysterical?

Symptom or personality?

According to English dictionaries, “Hysterical” is translated as “like hysteria.” The word that describes us has been used at different times to name both the symptoms of psychoneurological disorders and deviations in the personality structure of an individual. The use of the term to describe "diseases" has evolved to include