Hysteria: The History of Female Madness

Translated from ancient Greek, the term "hysteria" means "uterine rage". For many years, this disease was considered exclusively female and any sharp, demonstrative reactions to stress were attributed to its symptoms. Over time, the understanding of this phenomenon became more and more complex, and it was realized that neurotic character, as well as hysterical psychosis, are almost equally common in both women and men. What is the basis of hysteria? What is the reason for sharp emotional swings, neurotic attacks and demonstrative behavior? Who is the person whose life is ruled by this strange and complex phenomenon called hysteria? Leading psychiatrists and psychoanalysts of the past answer all these questions. Using the most striking cases from clinical practice, they talk about all the features of the hysterical character, how to find an approach to such a person and compensate for this mental disorder.