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Hysterical personality type: how it manifests itself and what to expect from it. Psychology and psychoanalysis of character

Epileptoid type

Epileptoid-type features are usually visible already in childhood. A child of the epileptoid type can cry for hours, and it is impossible to console him, distract him, rein him in, or silence him. Very early, such children reveal sadistic tendencies: they love to torture animals, tease children, and mock the weak and helpless.

At the same time, they are also characterized by unchildish thriftiness in relation to everything “of their own”: their clothes, their toys, their school supplies, and an extremely angry reaction to those who are going to encroach on their property. At school, meticulous care appears in keeping notebooks, diaries, and maintaining all student supplies.

The features of the epileptoid type are especially pronounced in adolescence. Main feature is a tendency to periods of melancholy and angry mood with gradually, gradually boiling irritation and a search for an object on which to take out evil. Such conditions can last for hours, sometimes days, gradually developing and slowly weakening. The affective explosiveness of the epileptoid is closely related to sad and angry moods - dysphoria.

Flashes of excitement seem sudden only at first glance. The affect builds up gradually long time. The reason for the “explosion” may be insignificant, playing the role of “ last straw" The effects of an epileptoid are not only strong, but also long-lasting: they cannot calm down for a long time. The affect is characterized by unbridled rage, verbal abuse, possible beatings, indifference to the enemy’s helplessness, and inability to take into account one’s own superior strength.

The instinctive life of an epileptoid is characterized by great tension. There is a strong sexual desire; a tendency towards sexual excesses can be combined with sadistic and masochistic tendencies. Love is painted with the dark colors of jealousy. Alcohol intoxication often progresses severely, with rage and fights. In a state of alcoholic intoxication, an epileptoid can perform actions that he does not remember later. At the same time, there is a tendency to get drunk “to the point of passing out.”

The brutality of the epileptoid is reflected literally in everything: he prefers strong alcoholic drinks to beer and wine, strong cigarettes to light cigarettes. In a state of alcoholic intoxication, both aggressive and auto-aggressive affective reactions easily arise. Epileptoid individuals are at real risk of chronic alcoholism. Among their hobbies should be noted a penchant for gambling. Very easy to wake up unbridled passion to enrichment.

Epileptoid individuals can adapt well to conditions of a strict disciplinary regime, where they know how to flatter leaders, gain from them a certain power over others and use this power for their own selfish purposes. Common features of an epileptoid are also viscosity, stiffness, heaviness, inertia, which leaves an imprint on literally everything - from motor skills to emotionality, personal values, thinking (inertia of basic mental processes).

Petty scrupulousness, meticulous compliance with all instructions, even to the detriment of the case, pedantry that bothers everyone - all these features are considered as a way of compensating for one’s own inertia. Epileptoids are prone to conservatism, love once and for all established order, suspicious of all kinds of innovations. They can be called “guardians of traditions.”

The epileptoid is distinguished by great attention to his health. Careful observance own interests combined with rancor, a tendency not to forgive insults, and reactions of anger at the slightest infringement of their interests.

The self-esteem of the epileptoid personality is one-sided: he notices his tendency to periods of gloomy mood (“comes over me”), prudence, commitment to neatness and order, concern about his health, even a tendency to jealousy, but otherwise presents himself as much more conformist, than it really is. Situations of greatest vulnerability are situations of infringement of interests, states of alcohol intoxication, as well as situations when the epileptoid gains power over other people, which he uses despotic and authoritarian.

The epileptoid is noted to be intolerant of disobedience to himself, material losses, inability to appease his lust for power, and unbridled jealousy. Any emotion easily becomes uncontrollable and sometimes leads to irreparable consequences. Epileptoid traits contribute to psychopathic development of the epileptoid type and can serve as a “soil” for acute affective reactions and for delinquent and criminal behavior.

Hysterical type

The main feature of the hysteroid type is egocentrism, an insatiable thirst for the attention of others to one’s own person, the need to evoke surprise, admiration, interest, sympathy, and veneration. At worst, indignation and hatred are preferred, but not the prospect of remaining unnoticed. Deceit and fantasy, so characteristic of a hysterical personality, are aimed at embellishing one’s own self in order to attract the attention of others with all one’s might. The apparent emotionality of a hysterical person actually turns into a theatrical pretense of emotions, a penchant for panache and posing. Deep sincere feelings, as a rule, are absent, despite the fact that hysterics constantly imitate exceptional suffering and super-strong feelings.

Children with hysterical character traits willingly recite poetry, standing on a chair surrounded by adult spectators, sing and dance on stage under the admiring glances of the audience. In adolescence, behavior disorders, alcoholism, and sexual excesses can be used to attract attention. Delinquency boils down to absenteeism, reluctance to study and work, since the “gray” life does not satisfy them, and to occupy a prestigious position that would please their pride, they lack both ability and, most importantly, perseverance and will. Nevertheless, idleness and idleness are combined with very high, in fact unsatisfied, claims regarding the future profession. Hysteroids are also prone to defiant behavior in public places. More severe behavioral disorders usually do not occur.

Running away from home can begin in childhood. Having run away, hysterical children strive to be where they will be looked for, to attract the attention of the police, or in some indirect way to signal to their relatives about their whereabouts.

Hysterical individuals also tend to exaggerate their alcoholism: boast a huge amount drink or show off an exquisite set alcoholic drinks. Ready to pose as drug addicts.

Having heard a lot about drugs, having tried once or twice any available surrogate, they like to describe their drug excesses, unusual highs, taking extravagant drugs like heroin, ecstasy or LSD. A detailed questioning reveals that the information gathered from hearsay is quickly exhausted. In order to attract attention, imaginary illnesses, lies and fantasies are used. By making things up, they easily get used to their role and mislead gullible people. Among the simulated diseases may be mental disorders. Particularly popular are depersonalization and derealization experiences, ideas of influence, phenomena of mental automatism, “inner voice,” and “divide self.” They, as well as demonstrative suicide attempts, can be resorted to when they want to get out of some unpleasant story.

Hysterical accentuation can be combined with psychophysical infantilism. It is also formed during upbringing according to the type of family idol. Hysterical individuals tend to take out failures among their peers on their parents, who become “scapegoats” for the fact that they can no longer, as in childhood, present ready-made people with everything they wanted, get rid of difficulties, and remove all the obstacles that stand in the way. Beloved, spoiled, caressed since childhood, to the surprise of their parents, they repay them with coldness, and even bitterness.

IN sexual behavior the hysteroid also plays a lot; The game they are mostly into is a game called dynamo. Self-esteem is very far from objectivity. Failure to occupy a prominent position, the exposure of fabrications, the collapse of hopes - loss of attention from significant persons - all this can lead to acute affective reactions of a demonstrative type, including the depiction of suicide attempts, as well as to hysterical neurosis and to demonstrative behavior violations.

Who is a hysterical person? How to distinguish a person with a hysterical personality type? You can always do this without fail. A person whose appearance and active behavior attracts the eye will be hysterical.

Strengths of the hysterical personality type

You shouldn’t think that a person with this type of character throws tantrums every day. This is more of an artist, a public figure. Such a person always dresses fashionably and tastefully, and has a good imagination. He knows how to attract attention and stand out among the crowd. A woman with this type of character often radically changes her image and pays a lot of attention to her appearance.

The hysteroid loves humor and wit. It captures the attention of listeners and lifts the mood. He likes to be in the center of events, so he often makes puns and impromptu ideas, and generates ideas. He is distinguished by social flexibility. Any social role he can handle it.

With proper development of intelligence, this psychotype can masterfully manipulate people. A hysterical personality is often quite charismatic; it is never boring to be around her.

Weaknesses

Such a person has a weak nervous system. He cannot withstand emotional excitement and stress for long. He cannot tolerate the lack of attention from others. The main problem of such a person is the lack of self-sufficiency and restraint. There is egocentrism in the character.

A person with a hysterical psychotype is not reliable enough. He will not keep promises if it requires significant effort. Tries to avoid obstacles on the way and does not take on tasks that require concentration.

The bearer of hysterical traits is sincerely and completely confident in his social significance. Even if it has no basis. He constantly demands attention to his person and recognition of his exclusivity. Hysterical people are very changeable. Their behavior largely depends on their social environment. If a person with hysterical traits does not have enough strength to cope with real problems, then he creates the illusion of well-being and sacredly believes in it. He does not pay attention to difficulties, pushing them out of his memory.

How to improve communication

To establish contact with such a person, start with compliments. Don't be afraid to overdo it. Be generous with attention and approval. This will cause a wave of friendliness in the hysteroid.

This person will be good at presenting products and new projects, as well as formal reporting. You should not assign him tasks that require focus on details and perseverance.

If you want to do something nice, then the best gift there will be public recognition of the merits of this person. Public praise and applause are what this person needs. If you want to maintain a good relationship with a person with a hysterical personality type, then you should not compete with him for the attention of others.

This type is described in many monographs and manuals and is included in a wide variety of taxonomies of psychopathy. Its main feature is boundless egocentrism, an insatiable thirst for constant attention to one’s own person, admiration, surprise, veneration, and sympathy. At worst, even indignation or hatred of others towards oneself is preferred, but not indifference and indifference - just not the prospect of remaining unnoticed (“thirst for increased evaluation” according to K-Schneider, 1923). All other qualities of the hysteroid are fueled by this trait. Suggestibility, which is often brought to the fore, is distinguished by selectivity: nothing remains of it if the situation of suggestion or the suggestion itself does not “give grist to the mill of egocentrism.” Deceit and fantasy are entirely aimed at embellishing one’s personality. Apparent emotionality actually turns into a lack of deep, sincere feelings with great expression of emotions, theatricality, and a tendency to show off and pose. Hysterical traits often appear with early years. Such children cannot stand it when others praise them in front of them, when others are given more attention. They quickly get bored with toys. The desire to attract attention, to listen to admiration and praise becomes an urgent need. They willingly read poetry in front of the audience, dance, sing, and many of them really show good artistic abilities. Academic success in the early grades is largely determined by whether they are held up as an example to others. With the coming puberty Usually there is a sharpening of hysteroid features. As is known, in last decades The picture of hysteria in adults has changed significantly. Almost disappeared hysterical fits, paralysis, etc. They were replaced by less severe neurasthenic-like symptoms [Karvasarsky B. D., Tupitsyn Yu. Ya., 1974; Karvasarsky B.D., 1980]. This also applies entirely to adolescence. However, during this period, hysterical character traits manifest themselves primarily in behavioral characteristics, in adolescent behavioral reactions. In addition, acceleration physical development significantly changed the previous idea of the infantile grace, fragility, and childishness of hysterical teenagers. Only with one of the options we described (“labile hysteroids” - see page 113) is it often possible to encounter a graceful appearance. In other cases, there may not be a trace left of it. Among the behavioral manifestations of hysteria in adolescents that serve as the reason for contacting a psychiatrist, suicidal demonstrations should be put in first place - they were the reason for referral to a teenage psychiatric clinic in 80% of cases of hysterical psychopathy and character accentuations. According to our observations, the first suicidal demonstrations in accelerated adolescents often occur at the age of 15-16 years. In this case, only safe methods of “suicide” are chosen (cuts of the veins on the forearm, medicines from home first aid kit) or designed to ensure that a serious attempt will be warned by others (preparing for hanging, depicting an attempt to jump out of a window or throw yourself under a vehicle in front of those present, etc.). Abundant suicidal “alarming” often precedes or accompanies a demonstration: farewell notes are written, “secret” confessions are made to friends, recorded on a tape recorder “ last words“, etc. As the reason that pushed a hysterical teenager to “suicide,” he himself most often names “unsuccessful love.” However, it is usually possible to find out that this is just a romantic veil or simply an invention aimed at “ennobling” one’s personality and creating an aura of exclusivity around oneself. The real reason is usually wounded pride, loss of valuable attention for a given teenager, fear of falling in the eyes of others, especially peers, and losing the halo of a “chosen one.” Of course, rejected love, a breakup, and especially the appearance of a rival or rival deals a sensitive blow to the egocentrism of a hysterical teenager, if, moreover, all events unfold before the eyes of friends and girlfriends (see Mikhail B., p. 18). Another reason for suicidal display may be the need to get out of dangerous situation, avoid serious punishment, causing sympathy, pity, compassion. The suicidal demonstration itself, with the worries of others, the bustle, the ambulance, the curiosity of random witnesses, gives considerable satisfaction to hysterical egocentrism. In searching for the real reasons for a suicidal demonstration, it is important to note where it is committed, to whom it is addressed, whom it should pity, whose lost attention it should regain, who it should be forced to make concessions or denigrate in the eyes of others. If, for example, the reason is declared to be a discord with her beloved, and the demonstration is carried out in such a way that she cannot not only see, but also cannot find out about it, but her mother becomes its first witness (Nikita B., p. 17), there is no doubt that that it is in the relationship with the mother that the conflict lies. If the reason given is the rejected love of a girl who lives in another city and no one knows her here, and a demonstration (an attempt to throw herself from the embankment into a canal in front of passers-by) takes place in front of the doors of her educational institution, very prestigious, it soon becomes clear that he will inevitably face expulsion for poor academic performance. Parents, however, often play the role of a “scapegoat” among hysterical teenagers for the “disappointments” that befall them among their peers. In cases of hysterical psychopathy, suicidal demonstrations can be carried out repeatedly, especially if the previous ones were successful, and can turn into a kind of behavioral cliche, which is resorted to in various kinds of conflicts [Alexandrov A. A., 1973]. Suicidal demonstrations are accompanied by bravado of “playing with death” with a claim to gain a reputation as an exceptional person. In addition to suicidal demonstrations, with the hysteroid type of psychopathy and accentuations one also encounters acute affective suicidal reactions, which are more frequent in labile hysteroids. Such affective reactions are also most often caused by blows to self-esteem, humiliation in the eyes of others, loss of hopes for a special role, or the prospect of rising in someone else's eyes. Affective suicide attempts are usually filled with elements of demonstrativeness and are aimed at attracting everyone's attention. However, they are not just a performance - against the background of strong affect, at some point a true suicidal goal or a desire to entrust one’s fate to chance (“come what may”) may flash through. Against the background of affect, even in the absence of a true intention to die, the line of what is safe in actions can easily be crossed, and an action that is demonstrative in plan can end in complete suicide - such power of affects is especially inherent in the mixed hysterical-epileptoid type. The “flight into illness” characteristic of hysterical natures in difficult situations, the depiction of mysterious unknown diseases sometimes acquired among some teenage groups, for example, imitating Western “hippies”, new uniform, expressing the desire to get into psychiatric hospital and thereby gain a reputation for unusualness in such an environment. To achieve this goal, not only suicidal threats are used, but also playing the role of a drug addict and, finally, complaints drawn from books on psychiatry, and various kinds of depersonalization-derealization symptoms, ideas of influence and cyclical mood swings are especially popular. Alcoholization can also be purely demonstrative. Full-blown alcoholism in hysterical adolescents is quite rare, and usually in these situations there is a combination of hysterical behavior with traits of another type. As a rule, hysterical teenagers drink a little, prefer mild degrees of intoxication, but are not averse to boasting about the huge amount they drink, their ability to drink without getting drunk, or an exquisite selection of alcoholic beverages (“I only drink cognac and champagne,” said a 14-year-old hysterical teenager) . However, according to our employee Yu. A. Strogonov, in asocial companies, where the ability to drink a lot causes “respect,” hysterical teenagers, wanting to give the impression that they can “outdrink everyone,” become victims of their pretensions and can actually become addicted to alcohol. However, they are not inclined to portray an alcoholic, since this role does not promise them either an aura of unusualness or greedily curious glances. The delinquency of hysterical teenagers is usually not serious. It's about about absenteeism, reluctance to study and work, since the “dull life” does not satisfy them, and they lack neither the ability nor perseverance to take a prominent place in study or work, which would please their pride. Clashes also occur over defiant behavior in public places, harassment of foreign tourists, and noisy scandals. In more serious cases, one has to deal with fraud, forgery of checks or documents, deception and theft of persons in whom they have gained confidence. Hysteroids avoid everything associated with gross violence, robbery, burglary, risk, and, apparently, are relatively rare among criminal teenagers [Ozeretsky N. I., 1932; Mikhailova L. O., 1976] Running away from home can begin from the first grades of school and even in preschool age. They are usually caused by punishments that have taken place or expected, or due to one of the children's behavioral reactions - the reaction of opposition. This reaction in children and adolescents is more often associated with the loss of former attention from loved ones. Having run away from home, they try to stay where they will be looked for, or to attract the attention of the police so that they are brought home or their parents are called, or, finally, in some indirect way they signal their parents about their whereabouts. With age, shoots can become longer and acquire a romantic overtones. Their reasons are often the same as those that push people to commit suicide—loss of attention, collapse of hopes for an exalted position, the need to extricate themselves from history, which inevitably threatens to be ridiculed and cast down from an honorable pedestal. For example, having assured his acquaintances that his parents occupied a high position and talked about the “luxurious” lifestyle of their family, a 16-year-old boy ran away to distant lands when the demands of his friends to invite him to his home became too insistent. Hysterical teenagers retain the features of childhood reactions of opposition, imitation, etc. Most often we see the reaction of the opposition to the loss or decrease in the usual attention from relatives, to the loss of the role of the family idol. Manifestations of the reaction of opposition may be the same as in childhood - “flight into illness” or attempts to get rid of the one to whom attention has switched (for example, forcing a mother to break up with her stepfather), but more often this children’s reaction of opposition is manifested by behavioral disorders - sudden drinking, theft, absenteeism, and antisocial company are intended to signal to loved ones: “Give me back my former attention and care, otherwise I will disappear!” The imitation reaction can determine a lot in the behavior of a teenager of the hysterical type. Hysteroids are generally of little originality, and all of them life path- this is imitation of someone, although this is done as unnoticed as possible and is always passed off as “one’s own.” The model chosen to be imitated by a hysterical teenager should not, first of all, overshadow the imitating person. Therefore, for imitation, an abstract image or (more often) a person who is popular among teenagers, but does not have direct contact with this teenage group (“fashion idol”) is chosen. Sometimes imitation is based on a collective image: in attempts to achieve originality, the stunning statements of some, the unusual clothes of others, the provocative manner of behavior of others, etc. are reproduced. The reaction of overcompensation is less characteristic of hysterics, since it is associated with persistence and perseverance in achieving the goal, which is hysterical nature just doesn't have enough. But the compensation reaction can be quite pronounced. One might think that it is precisely this reaction that plays a significant role in the “cosmetic lies” characteristic of hysterics, in the fantasies that they force others to believe and, if they do not believe themselves, then at least enjoy them. The fantasies of hysterical teenagers differ sharply from the fantasies of schizoids. Hysterical fantasies are always intended for certain listeners and viewers, so they are changeable, taking into account their interests, tastes, and situation. Hysterical teenagers easily get used to a fictitious role and behave accordingly. Gennady U. (p. 13) was taken to a teenage psychiatric clinic after he came to the state security authorities with a statement that he had been recruited by foreign intelligence, was instructing him to carry out an explosion at a factory, pointed to certain individuals as agents of this intelligence, etc. . p., which, of course, was pure fiction. Since the time of E. Kraepelin (1915), hysterics prone to such myth-making have often been classified as a special group of psychopathic pseudologists or mythomaniacs. From our point of view, for adolescence it is hardly justified to single out this special group, since fantasies and lies that decorate one’s own personality are characteristic of almost all hysterical teenagers. And even when inventions constitute the main thing in behavior, overshadowing, it would seem, all other hysterical traits, all these tales are always fed by the basis hysterical in nature- insatiable egocentrism. Teenage behavioral reactions are also colored by this main hysterical trait. The emancipation reaction can be violent external manifestations - running away from home, conflicts with relatives and elders, loud demands for freedom and independence, etc. It can clearly manifest itself during examination with the help of PDO. It may also be responsible for demonstrative nonconformism—a ostentatiously displayed denial of generally accepted norms of behavior, widespread ideals, views, and tastes. However, in essence, the real need for freedom and independence is not at all characteristic of teenagers of this type - they do not at all want to get rid of the attention and worries of loved ones. As a result, emancipatory aspirations often slide onto the rails of the childish reaction of the opposition. The reaction of grouping with peers is always associated with claims to leadership or, in any case, to an exceptional position in the group. Possessing neither sufficient sternness nor a fearless readiness at any moment to forcefully assert his command role and subjugate others, the hysterical teenager strives for leadership in ways accessible to him. Possessing a good intuitive sense of the mood of the group, the still brewing and sometimes still unconscious desires and aspirations in it, hysterics can be their first spokesmen, act as instigators and incendiaries. In an impulse, in ecstasy, inspired by the glances turned to them, they can lead others, even show reckless courage. But they always turn out to be leaders for an hour - they give in to unexpected difficulties, easily betray their friends, are deprived of admiring glances, and immediately lose all their enthusiasm. The main thing is that friends will soon recognize their inner emptiness behind the external effects. This happens especially quickly when a leadership position is achieved in a different and more accessible way for a hysterical teenager - by throwing dust in the eyes with stories about his past successes and adventures. All this leads to the fact that hysterical teenagers are not inclined to stay too long in the same teenage group and willingly rush to another to start all over again. If you hear from a hysterical teenager that he is disappointed in his friends, there is no doubt that they are the ones who have already figured him out. In conditions of closed teenage groups, for example, in closed teenage institutions with a regulated regime, where an arbitrary change of company is difficult, in order to occupy an exceptional position, a different path is sometimes chosen. Hysterical teenagers willingly accept leadership functions from adults - positions of elders, organizers of all kinds of events - in order to take the position of mediator between elders and other teenagers and thereby strengthen their special position. Hobbies are almost entirely concentrated in the area of the egocentric type of hobby. Only something that gives you the opportunity to show off in front of others can captivate you. If you have the ability, then amateur artistic activity opens up the greatest opportunities here. Preference is always given to those types of art that given time the most fashionable among teenagers in their circle (in our period - pop ensembles) or can amaze with their unusualness (for example, a mime theater). It was impossible not to notice among teenagers in the 60s and 70s the low popularity of drama clubs and the declining popularity of dance ensembles. Sometimes the chosen hobbies, at first glance, do not belong to egocentric hobbies. However, in reality it turns out that the hobby foreign language, which usually boils down to mastering the most popular dialogues, is undertaken in order to show off in front of friends by talking with foreign tourists, and passion for philosophy is limited to the most superficial acquaintance with fashionable philosophical movements and is intended, again, to impress the relevant environment with one’s knowledge. Imitating yogis and hippies provides particularly fertile ground in this regard. Even collected collections can serve the same purpose - to show off them (and yourself!) in front of your friends (Alexander F., p. 16). Sports and other manual-physical hobbies are chosen much less frequently, as they require great perseverance to achieve a prestigious position. In contrast, leadership hobbies (the role of various types of organizers and managers) are more preferable, as they allow you to always be in sight. However, they soon begin to become burdensome with the formal responsibilities associated with them. The sexual desire of hysteroids is neither strong nor intense. There is a lot of theatrical play in their sexual behavior. Male teenagers prefer to hide their sexual experiences and avoid conversations on this topic, because they feel that there is nothing to amaze them with here, they are afraid of being “not up to par.” Girls, on the contrary, tend to advertise their real connections and invent non-existent ones, are capable of slander and self-incrimination, and can play the role of sluts, enjoying the stunning impression on the interlocutor. It should be emphasized that the weak link of the hysterical type, a blow to which can reveal hysterical traits with hidden accentuation or cause a bright hysterical reaction with obvious accentuation, most often are injured pride, loss of attention from those around them or especially significant people, collapse of hopes for a prestigious position, debunked exclusivity . The self-esteem of hysterical teenagers is far from objective. Those character traits that are at the moment can make an impression. In hysteroid psychopathy, the aggravation of character traits occurs both along the path of intensification and frequency of acute affective reactions of a demonstrative type with repeated performances depicting the desire to commit suicide, and along the path of other demonstrative behavioral disorders. In severe hysterical psychopathies, under the influence of mental trauma, reactive hysterical psychoses can develop - hysterical twilight states, pseudodementia, etc. However, in our time, hysterical psychoses in adolescents are rarely encountered and mainly in the situation of a forensic psychiatric examination. Hysterical psychopathy can be either constitutional or a consequence of psychopathic development, more often on the basis of hysterical, as well as labile or hyperthymic accentuations of character when raised in conditions of indulgent hyperprotection. In the teenage population, hysterical accentuation is found in 2-3% of male adolescents and somewhat more often in female adolescents [Ivanov N. Ya., 1976]. Three variants of the hysteroid type are most common in adolescence. The “pure” asteroid type does not require any special description; examples various degrees psychopathy and character accentuations of this type are given in Chapter. I. Labile hysteroid is presented in the section on the labile type (p. 113). The hysteroid-unstable type is quite common, although it has not yet been sufficiently studied [Alexandrov A. A., 1978]. Hysteroidal-unstable type. This type is common among adolescent males. Most of them lack the characteristic classical descriptions hysterics - infantility and gracefulness of physique. On the contrary, the acceleration of physical development is usually quite pronounced. Outwardly, when they first meet, such teenagers may seem unstable. Antisocial groups of peers, drinking, idleness and craving for a “fun life”, neglect of one’s responsibilities, avoidance of study and work - all this really occurs. However, behind all this is not thoughtlessness, not an almost instinctive craving for constant entertainment and pleasure, but the same egocentrism. All manifestations of antisocial behavior: alcoholism, delinquency, etc. - serve for bravado in front of elders and peers, in order to at least in this way earn a reputation for exclusivity. In asocial companies themselves, a claim to leadership and unusualness is revealed. Idleness and dependency are associated with high, virtually impossible demands regarding a future profession. Falsehood is not only defensive, as with unstable people, but it almost always serves the purpose of embellishing oneself. In delinquent behavior, artistic abilities are skillfully used (the ability to gain trust, skillful deception, etc.). Alexey D., 17 years old. Father and mother have been divorced for many years, although they live in the same apartment. Doesn't communicate with father. He developed normally, studied satisfactorily until the age of 13, and had no behavioral disorders. In the 6th grade, studying seemed difficult, I abandoned classes, and got involved with an antisocial group of teenagers. He began to engage in “farming” - he bought and resold the things of foreign tourists. I earned a lot of money from this - I began to dress according to latest fashion. He announced to his mother that he had a sailor friend who brought everything from abroad. At the age of 14, I went to Tallinn and Kyiv with two friends - I called my mother from the station so that “not to worry.” He stated that he wanted to see beautiful cities, but was detained by the police there due to speculation. I barely finished 8th grade. At the insistence of his mother, he entered a vocational school, but there he constantly skipped classes. At the age of 16, he was convicted of participating in a gang fight. He claims that he got into this company by accident and was “slandered.” He was soon released from the colony due to an amnesty. There, according to him, he easily established contact with his comrades, but was oppressed by the harsh regime. After his release, he first returned to vocational school, but soon dropped out of classes. I spent all my days in some company. According to the mother - nurse — began to return home in an unusual state, somehow excited. The mother suspected the use of intoxicants. He was sent for examination to a teenage psychiatric clinic. The clinic behaves pretentiously. Proud that he has a “foreign surname.” During a conversation, he shows off and rolls his eyes flirtatiously. He said that he avoids booze, doesn’t drink vodka at all, and in groups he tries to drink no more than one glass of weak wine. At the age of 13, I sniffed stain remover with my friends, but soon gave it up - “I got tired of it.” According to him, after leaving the colony, he willingly used various pills (Seduxen, Pentalgin, etc.) in his company, wanting to cause a “high.” Upon admission to the clinic, I did not detect any withdrawal symptoms. Among teenagers, he claims to be a leader and tries to impress with stories about his asocial past. He refuses to study at a vocational school. He said that he would agree to take a “cook course for overseas voyages,” but then pointedly declared that the “stain of the colony” had ruined his life—they wouldn’t take him anywhere to a “decent place.” He considers studying radio engineering at a vocational school unworthy. He says that he is interested in modern pop music, quickly names several fashionable things and ensembles, but his knowledge here is superficial: apparently, he was more busy speculating on tape recordings than the music itself. Upon examination, there is a pronounced acceleration of physical development. Height 184 cm with body weight 64 kg. Sexual development is complete. On the body there is a tattoo with criminal symbols (signs of a criminal record, being in prison, a symbol of the desire for “freedom”). Neurological and somatic examination showed no abnormalities. Survey using PDO. According to the objective assessment scale, despite the established tendency to character dissimulation, a pronounced hysteroid type was diagnosed. Apparently, due to dissimulation, the traits of the unstable type were not diagnosed. Signs indicating the development of psychopathy have not been established. Due to dissimulation, the determination of other indicators may be incorrect (conformity is average; the emancipation reaction is not expressed, no tendency towards delinquency has been identified). There is a negative attitude towards alcoholism. On the scale of subjective assessment, self-esteem reflects dissimulation and attitudinal behavior: traits of the conformal and paranoid type appear, only sensitive traits are reliably rejected (i.e., a desire to show oneself as “correct” and a “strong personality” is revealed). Diagnosis. Mentally healthy. Behavioral disorders against the background of accentuation of the hysteroid-unstable type. Follow-up in two years. Re-convicted for profiteering. Diagnosis of the hysteroid type in adolescents should be carried out with caution. Don't be fooled by the apparent ease. Hysterical traits can be a superficial layer on the characterological basis of another type - labile, hyperthymic, epileptoid and even schizoid. These same traits may be included in the picture of organic psychopathy. Demonstratively suicidal behavior in epileptoid adolescents can also lead to the false idea of hysteria. To what has been said, we should also add the need to differentiate between hysteria and pronounced mental infantilism in adolescence, when one can also encounter unbridled fantasy, inventions, childish emotional expressiveness, suggestibility and many other traits similar to hysteria. However, the absence of pronounced egocentrism makes it possible to distinguish such teenagers from hysterics.

There is a very widespread opinion that the hysterical personality type is inherent only female half. The connection to this comes from the literal translation of the term “hysteria.” If you translate the word “hysteria” from Greek, you get the word “uterus”. In ancient times it was believed that the uterus was a vagus organ inside female body, it is he who causes hysterics: unexpected loud laughter, bitchy behavior, uncontrollable tears.

But this theory ceased to exist after the statement of S. Freud, who in one of his sincere confessions was forced to admit that his character contained traits of the hysteroid type.

The main feature of the hysterical personality type

The main feature of the hysterical personality type is egocentrism. That is, an endless thirst for attention to one’s own person, a desire to evoke sympathy, emotion and admiration. Hysterical type personality is noticed in people who try to attract attention to themselves by any means: envy, defiant behavior, indignation.

A person of this personality type is characterized by a theatrical pretense of emotions, impressions, and experiences. At the same time, there are no real deep feelings; in their place there are only “scenery”.

Appearance of hysterical people

The appearance of egocentrists, as a rule, is very attractive, bright, attracting many glances. People of the hysterical type have lively, free, bold speech. Their behavior is open and lively.

These signs begin to appear from the very early childhood. Most of them become “stars” of their class or group. By performing and participating in all events, they become favorites of leaders and spectators. More often appearance- almost the most important thing. From a young age they begin to monitor the neatness of their clothes, hair, and shoes.

The main problems of hysterical personalities

Since the hysterical personality type of a person involves excessive emotionality, main problem is a very acute reaction to any incident, both positive and negative. But only if this incident concerns one’s personality. They are most often indifferent to the problems of others.

As soon as real difficulties and problems are encountered along the way, hysterical personalities very quickly lose interest in it if their attention is not warmed up and stimulated. The same applies to monotonous routine. If it is impossible to avoid similar situations such people can get sick. This fact is explained defensive reaction the body to stress and overexertion.

Another problem, no less important, is the relationship between social society. Excessive demonstrativeness, brightness, rivalry, and the desire to be the center of attention can result in direct conflict.

Suicidal tendencies of “hysteroids”

Suicidal tendencies often appear during adolescence. During the period when hysterical traits begin to be expressed more clearly in the personality image. At this time, the victim tries to attract attention to himself through suicide attempts: cutting his veins, using pills from the first aid kit. But they are not ready to truly die. At this moment they need support after experiencing stress: unsuccessful love, avoiding punishment or any situation.

A hysterical can cross the line of its own safety only in a state of passion caused by a decrease in self-esteem, humiliation from others, loss of authority and respect in its circles.

Hobbies of hysterical personalities

Most often, the hobbies of hysterical individuals are associated with activities aimed at gaining the attention of others. This could be cinema, dancing, vocal styles.

As a rule, the most successful hysterics are film actors, dancers, and artists. The desire to be visible, to be the center of attention, to receive approving and admiring glances and wishes makes you work very hard and work in your direction, devoting yourself completely to art.

Features of the living environment of a hysterical person

Just as in appearance, hysterics behave in exactly the same way in their home or workplace. The environment must match the personality: bright colors, originality, sometimes belonging to a certain subculture. The most important item in the setting is photographs in a prominent place of yourself.

Various personal awards: certificates, cups, prizes are not hidden in closets, lying on the shelf or under the bed. The interior of the hysteroid immediately gives full view about the personality and character of the owner of the room or other premises. Their wardrobe always has a wide variety of clothes and shoes. Her collection is constantly updated with new bright things.

Features of gestures and facial expressions

A hysterical person can be easily recognized by his gestures and facial expressions. All movements and gestures are filled with theatrical characteristics, mannerism and aristocracy. Hysteroids will never, under any circumstances, show themselves in a light that does not emphasize their individuality and high nature. Facial expressions are often arrogant and bewildered. It is not difficult for them to change masks depending on a particular situation.

Conclusion

If a person spends time on his appearance, then we can safely say that there is hysteria in his character. The ratio of hysteria to other personality types is determined by the time spent on appearance, caring for it, as well as spending on its provision.

When interacting with hysterical people, it is important to play along with them, giving compliments that inflate their self-image. Then you will be guaranteed a positive attitude from him. It should be remembered that each person combines 3-4 personality types. And the hysterical can manifest itself as dominant. Or vice versa. Therefore, you should not make hasty conclusions, but need to learn more about their personality. Then, having made conclusions about the personality type and its characteristics, you can easily establish contact with the person.

Hysterical type

Hysterical traits are often evident from an early age. Such children cannot stand it when other children are praised in front of them, when others are given attention. They quickly get bored with toys. The desire to attract attention, to listen to admiration and praise becomes an urgent need. They willingly read poetry in front of the audience, dance, sing, and many of them really show good artistic abilities. Academic success in the early grades is largely determined by whether they are held up as an example to others.

With the onset of puberty, a sharpening of hysteroid features is usually observed.

As is known, in recent decades the picture of hysteria in adults has changed significantly. Hysterical fits, paralysis, etc. have almost disappeared. They were replaced by less severe neurasthenic-like symptoms. This situation also applies to adolescence. However, during this period, hysterical character traits manifest themselves primarily in behavioral characteristics, in specifically adolescent behavioral reactions. In addition, the acceleration of physical development has significantly changed the previous idea of the infantile grace, fragility, and childishness of hysterical adolescents. Only with one of the options we describe (“labile hysteroids”) is it often possible to encounter a graceful appearance. In other cases, there may not be a trace left of it.

Among the behavioral manifestations of hysteria in adolescents, suicidality should be put in first place. We are talking about frivolous attempts, demonstrations, “pseudo-suicides,” “suicidal blackmail.” According to our observations, the first pseudo-suicidal demonstrations in accelerated adolescents often occur at the age of 15-16 years, and not at 17-19 years, as in the previous generation. In this case, the methods chosen are either safe (cuts to the veins on the forearm, medicines from a home medicine cabinet), or designed to ensure that a serious attempt will be warned by others (preparing for hanging, depicting an attempt to jump out of a window or throw yourself under a vehicle in front of those present, etc.). p.).

Abundant suicidal “alarming” often precedes or accompanies a demonstration: various farewell notes are written, “secret” confessions are made to friends, “last words” are recorded on a tape recorder, etc.

Often the reason that pushed a hysterical teenager to “suicide” is called unsuccessful love. However, it is often possible to find out that this is just a romantic veil or just a fiction. The real reason is usually wounded pride, loss of valuable attention for a given teenager, fear of falling in the eyes of others, especially peers, and losing the halo of a “chosen one.” Of course, rejected love, a breakup, preference for a rival or a rival deals a sensitive blow to the egocentrism of a hysterical teenager, especially if all the events unfold in front of the eyes of friends and girlfriends. The suicidal demonstration itself, with the worries of others, the bustle, the ambulance, the curiosity of random witnesses, gives considerable satisfaction to hysterical egocentrism.

In searching for the reasons for a suicidal demonstration, it is important to note where it is committed, to whom it is addressed, whom it should pity, whose lost attention should be returned, who should be forced to make concessions or lose in the eyes of others. If, for example, the cause of suicide is declared to be a disagreement with a beloved, and the suicidal demonstration is carried out in such a way that she cannot see or know about it, but the mother becomes its first witness, there is no doubt that it is in the relationship with the mother that the conflict lies. Parents, however, often play scapegoat for hysterical teenagers for the “disappointments” that befell them among their peers. In cases of hysterical psychopathy, suicidal demonstrations can be repeated, especially if the previous ones were successful, and can turn into a kind of behavioral pattern. Suicidal demonstrations are accompanied by hysterical bravado of “playing with death” with a claim to gain a reputation as an exceptional person.

In addition to suicidal demonstrations, one encounters acute affective suicide attempts, which are more frequent in labile hysteroids. Such affective reactions are most often also caused by blows to self-esteem, humiliation in the eyes of others, loss of hopes for a special role, or the prospect of rising in someone else's eyes. Affective suicide attempts are also usually filled with elements of demonstration and are aimed at attracting attention. However, against the background of extreme affect, at some point a true suicidal goal may flash through. And even in its absence, the line of what is safe in affect can easily be crossed and the intended action, demonstrative, can end in complete suicide.

The “flight into illness” characteristic of hysterics, the image of unusual mysterious diseases sometimes takes on a new form among some teenage groups, in particular those imitating Western “hippies,” expressed by the desire to end up in a psychiatric hospital and thereby gain a reputation for unusualness in such an environment. To achieve this goal, they use the role of a drug addict, suicidal threats, and, finally, complaints taken from psychiatry textbooks, with various kinds of depersonalization-derealization symptoms and cyclical mood swings being especially popular.

Alcoholism or drug use in hysterical teenagers is also sometimes demonstrative. True alcoholism is extremely rare, and in these cases there is usually a combination of hysteria with traits of another type. Hysterical teenagers drink a little, prefer mild degrees of intoxication, but they are not averse to boasting about the huge amount they drink, their ability to drink without getting drunk, or their exquisite selection of alcoholic beverages (“I only drink cognac and champagne,” said one 14-year-old hysterical teenager). However, they are not inclined to portray alcoholics, since this role does not promise them either an aura of unusualness or greedily curious glances. But they are often ready to imagine themselves as a real drug addict. Having heard a lot about drugs or having tried this or that surrogate once or twice, a hysterical teenager begins to describe his drug excesses, an unusual “high”, mentions taking heroin or LSD, which he could not get anywhere, etc. A detailed questioning reveals that he cannot tell anything about actual sensations, that the information he picked up somewhere is quickly depleted. This mode of behavior, unfortunately, indicates that the role of a drug addict, unlike an alcoholic, is attractive in some antisocial teenage groups. Drug use, imaginary or episodic, can also be a way of appealing to loved ones, with the intention of attracting them to oneself. special attention. Offended by his mother, who focused all her worries on her sick brother, a 14-year-old hysterical teenager carried a syringe in his school bag for a week, hoping that his mother would find it. And when his mother never bothered to look into his briefcase, he began scattering injection needles around the apartment.

The delinquency of hysterical teenagers is usually not serious. We are talking about absenteeism, reluctance to study and work, since the “dull life” does not satisfy them, and they lack both ability and perseverance to take a prominent place in study or work, which would please their pride. Clashes also occur over defiant behavior in public places, harassment of foreign tourists, and noisy scandals. In more serious cases, one has to deal with fraud, forgery of checks or documents, deception and theft of persons in whom they have gained trust. Hysterics avoid serious crimes associated with violence, robbery, burglary, risk and, apparently, are relatively rare among criminal teenagers.

Running away from home can begin in the first grades of school or even in preschool age. They are usually caused by punishments that have taken place or expected, or due to one of the children's behavioral reactions - the reaction of opposition. This reaction in children and adolescents is most often associated with a loss of former attention from loved ones. Having run away from home, they try to be where they will be looked for, or to attract the attention of the police so that they are brought home or their parents are called for them. With age, shoots can become longer and acquire a romantic overtones. Their reasons are often the same as those that push them to a suicidal demonstration - loss of attention, collapse of hopes for an exalted position, the need to extricate themselves from history, which inevitably threatens to be ridiculed and thrown off the pedestal of honor. For example, having assured his acquaintances that his parents held a high position and told them about the luxurious lifestyle of his family, a 16-year-old boy ran away to distant lands when the demands of his friends to invite him to his home became too insistent.

Hysterical teenagers retain the features of childhood reactions of opposition, imitation, etc. Most often we see the reaction of the opposition to the loss or decrease in the usual attention from relatives, to the loss of the role of the family idol. Manifestations of the opposition reaction can be the same as in childhood - going into illness, trying to get rid of the one to whom attention has switched (for example, forcing the mother to break up with the new stepfather), but more often this children's opposition reaction is revealed by teenage behavior disorders - drinking, acquaintance with drugs, absenteeism, theft, antisocial company are intended to signal: “Give me back your former attention, otherwise I will go astray!” The imitation reaction can determine the behavior of a hysterical teenager. However, the model chosen for imitation should not overshadow the imitating person. Therefore, for imitation, an abstract image or a person who is popular among teenagers, but does not have direct contact with this group (“fashion idol”) is chosen. Sometimes imitation is based on a collective image: in the pursuit of originality, the stunning statements of some, the unusual clothes of others, the provocative manner of behavior of others, etc. are reproduced. The overcompensation reaction is less characteristic of hysterics, since it is associated with perseverance and perseverance, which they precisely lack. But the compensation reaction can be quite pronounced. One might think that it is this reaction that plays a significant role in the “cosmetic” lies characteristic of hysterics, in the fantasies that they force others to believe and, if they do not believe themselves, then enjoy them.

The fantasies of hysterical teenagers are clearly different from the fantasies of schizoids. Hysterical fantasies are changeable, always intended for certain listeners and spectators, teenagers easily get used to the role, behave according to their fantasies, Gennady U. was taken to a teenage psychiatric clinic after reporting to the state security authorities with a statement that he had been recruited by foreign intelligence , instructs him to arrange an explosion at the plant, pointed to certain individuals as agents of this intelligence service, etc. - all this turned out to be pure fiction.

Hysterics, prone to such myth-making, are often classified as a special psychopathic group of pseudologists. From our point of view, this is hardly justified for adolescence, since fantasies and lies that decorate one’s own personality are characteristic of almost all hysterical teenagers. And even when inventions constitute the main thing in behavior, seemingly overshadowing all other hysterical traits, all these tales are always fed by the basis of the hysterical character - insatiable egocentrism.

Specific adolescent behavioral reactions are also colored by this main hysterical trait. The emancipation reaction can have violent external manifestations - running away from home, conflicts with relatives and elders, loud demands for freedom and independence, etc. However, in essence, the real need for freedom and independence is not at all characteristic of adolescents of this type - they do not at all want to get rid of the attention and worries of loved ones. Emancipatory aspirations often slide onto the rails of the childish reaction of the opposition.

The reaction of grouping with peers is always associated with claims to leadership or an exceptional position in the group. Possessing neither sufficient sternness nor fearless readiness at any moment to forcefully assert his command role, to subjugate others, the hysterical strives for leadership in ways accessible to him. Possessing a good intuitive sense of the mood of the group, of the sometimes unconscious desires and aspirations still brewing in it, hysterics can be their first spokesmen, acting as instigators and igniters. In an impulse, in ecstasy, inspired by the glances turned to them, they can lead others, even show reckless courage. But they always turn out to be leaders for an hour - they give in to unexpected difficulties, easily betray their friends, are deprived of admiring glances, and immediately lose all their enthusiasm. The main thing is that the group soon recognizes behind the external effects their inner emptiness. This happens especially quickly when hysterical teenagers are not inclined to stay in the same teenage group for too long and willingly rush to a new one to start all over again. If you hear from a hysterical teenager that he is disappointed in his friends, you can safely assume that they have “seen through” him.

In closed teenage groups, for example in closed institutions with a regulated regime, where arbitrary change of company is difficult, in order to occupy an exceptional position, a different path is often chosen. Hysterical teenagers willingly accept formal leadership functions from the hands of adults - positions of prefects, organizers of all kinds of events, etc. - in order to take the position of a mediator between the elders and the teenage group and thereby strengthen their special position.

Hobbies are almost entirely concentrated in the area of the egocentric type of hobby. Only something that gives you the opportunity to show off in front of others can captivate you. If you have the ability, then amateur artistic activity opens up the greatest opportunities here. Preference is given to those types of art that are most fashionable among children in their circle (currently, most often - jazz ensembles, pop music) or that amaze with their unusualness (for example, mime theater). It is impossible not to notice among modern teenagers low popularity of drama clubs and declining popularity of dance ensembles. Sometimes the chosen hobbies do not seem to belong to egocentric hobbies. However, in reality it turns out that a passion for a foreign language, which usually comes down to mastering the most popular dialogues, is undertaken in order to show off in front of friends with a conversation with tourists, and a passion for philosophy comes down to the most superficial acquaintance with fashionable trends and is again intended to produce impression on the relevant environment. Imitation of yogis and hippies provides particularly fertile ground in this regard. Even the collections serve the same purpose - to show off them (and yourself!) in front of your friends. Sports and other manual-physical hobbies are chosen much less frequently, as they require great perseverance. In contrast, leadership hobbies (the role of various types of organizers and managers) are more preferable, as they allow you to always be in sight. However, they soon begin to feel burdened by the formal responsibilities associated with them.

The sexual desire of hysteroids is neither strong nor intense. There is a lot of theatrical play in their sexual behavior. Male teenagers prefer to hide their sexual experiences and avoid conversations on this topic. Girls, on the contrary, tend to advertise their real connections and invent non-existent ones, are capable of slander and self-incrimination, and can portray libertines, enjoying the stunning impression on their interlocutor.

The self-esteem of hysterical teenagers is far from objective. Those character traits that can make an impression at the moment are emphasized.

Three variants of the hysteroid type occur most often in adolescence: the “pure” hysteroid type, the unstable hysteroid type, and the labile hysteroid type. The first of them does not require any special description. The labile hysteroid, which combines the features of the emotionally labile and hysteroid types, is described in the section devoted to the varieties of the labile type. As a rule, the basis here is precisely lability, and hysteria is either complemented by upbringing as a “family idol”, or is revealed in an emergency situation.

Unstable hysteroid is a variant of the hysteroid type, most common among male adolescents. Most of them lack the infantility and gracefulness characteristic of hysterics according to classical descriptions. On the contrary, the acceleration of physical development is usually quite pronounced. Outwardly, when meeting for the first time, such teenagers may come across as unstable. Antisocial groups of peers, drinking, interest in drugs, idleness and craving for a “fun life”, neglect of all responsibilities, avoidance of study and work - all this really occurs. However, behind all this is not lack of will and thoughtlessness, not an almost instinctive craving for constant entertainment and pleasure, but the same hysterical egocentrism. All forms of antisocial behavior - alcoholism, drug addiction, delinquency, etc. - serve for bravado in front of elders and peers, in order to gain a reputation for exclusivity. In asocial companies, claims to leadership and unusualness are revealed. Alcoholism and drug use can be deliberately demonstrative. Idleness, idleness, and dependency are associated with high, virtually impossible demands regarding a future profession. Falsehood is not only defensive, as with truly unstable people, it almost always serves the purpose of embellishing oneself.

In addition to hysterical psychopathy, one encounters hysterical accentuation in both obvious and hidden forms. It should be emphasized once again that a blow to a weak link, capable of revealing a hidden accentuation or causing a strong hysterical reaction when it is obvious, most often results in infringement of pride, loss of attention, collapse of hopes for a privileged position, debunked exclusivity.

Diagnosis of the hysteroid type in adolescents should be carried out with caution. Don't be fooled by the apparent ease. Hysteroidal traits can be a superficial layering on the characterological basis of another type - labile or hyperthymic, most often. These same traits may be included in the picture of organic psychopathy. Demonstrative suicidal behavior in epileptoids can also erroneously suggest hysteria. To what has been said, we should also add the need to differentiate between hysteria and pronounced mental infantilism in adolescence, when one can also encounter unbridled fantasies, inventions, childish emotionality, suggestibility and many other traits similar to hysteroids. However, the absence of pronounced egocentrism makes it possible to distinguish such teenagers from hysterics.