Hysteria: Causes and symptoms

Hysteria may be a defense mechanism to avoid painful emotions by unconsciously transferring this distress to the body. There may be a symbolic function for this, for example a rape victim may develop paralyzed legs. Symptoms may mimic a number of physical and neurological disorders which must be ruled out before a diagnosis of hysteria is made.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV), individuals with histrionic personality possess at least five of the following symptoms or personality features:

• a need to be the center of attention
• inappropriate, sexually seductive, or provocative behavior while interacting with others
• rapidly changing emotions and superficial expression of emotions
• vague and impressionistic speech (gives opinions without any supporting details)
• easily influenced by others
• believes relationships are more intimate than they are

— Paula Anne Ford-Martin