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Emotional attack. How to treat hysterical psychopathy

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Psychiatry and narcology.
Hysteria, symptoms of hysteria

Hysteria, symptoms of hysteria

Hysteria is characterized by diversity and variability of symptoms. Since the patient’s suggestibility is increased, one symptom can quickly be replaced by another reaction, which in this situation is very useful for the patient. There can be very strong emotional reactions caused by a minor phrase from a doctor or other person. And the tendency to fiction and fantasy gives a very bright color to these reactions.

Hysterical attacks are very interesting. They can be so diverse that it is difficult to imagine.

An example is convulsive seizures, which are accompanied by screams, crying, imitation of animal cries, “verbal diarrhea,” a state of ecstasy with groans, “prediction of the future.” Patients can tear their hair and clothes, but there must be spectators to watch this.

One can observe an attack of “great hysteria”. This is a whole performance, a performance that consists of several acts.

Initially, an “epileptoid seizure” and convulsions develop; a “hysterical arc” is possible, when the patient arches, leaning on the back of his head and heels. This phase turns into a phase of big movements and clownism. Large sweeping movements are made, patients can hit their heads, arms, and legs. Then an act of “passionate poses” may develop, when the patient’s face, his posture, and movements express anger, horror, and ecstasy.

This is followed by a phase of hallucinatory-delirious experiences. When the patient begins to cry or laugh, whisper something, listen, see “pictures,” reproduce something with his hands, etc. Patients remember their presentation, but not everything can be retold. Seizures last from an hour to several hours, depending on the audience and its interest.

Induced seizures can be observed when patients are in the same room. It started with one - why don’t I try it? At this time, they are distinguished by a wide variety of “who knows what.”

There may also be “small” hysterical attacks. They are not accompanied by a fall. Most often this is crying, complaints of lightheadedness, pain in the heart, palpitations, spasm in the throat, difficulty breathing. The face may turn red or pale. The pulse is well filled and rhythmic. Patients can make some movements with their hands, usually erratic, but they can also remain motionless for some time. There may be attacks of hysterical hibernation (attacks of lethargy), which can be repeated several times a day. Such patients cannot be awakened by natural, conventional techniques. Long-term states of hysterical hibernation are hysterical stupor.

Hysterical fits must be distinguished from seizures of epilepsy, in which there are no spectators, a patient in serious condition may bite his tongue, the face becomes purple-blue, and involuntary urination and defecation are possible. During fits of hysteria there must be spectators; if there are none, then the fit ends quickly. These spectators are very desirable for this patient and this whole demonstration is for them. During a hysterical attack, the patient will fall either on the bed, sofa or chair, he will have time to do this beautifully and comfortably, theatrically. But during an epileptic seizure - “where I stood, I fell there.” Rhythmic contractions of the facial muscles and a sharp “clamping” of the thumb in fists are also often observed. This is one of the characteristic signs of an epileptic seizure and distinguishes it from feigning and hysterical ones. After an attack, patients suffering from epilepsy experience deep sleep, while “hysterics” experience “getting up, shaking themselves off and walking.”

With hysteria, movement disorders can be observed, which are manifested by paralysis and paresis - contractures, sometimes with bizarre sweeping movements - hyperkinesis.

Hysterical paralysis and contractures usually affect a part of the body corresponding to the generally accepted division (arm, leg, hand, foot, etc.), often sharply limiting the lesion along the joint line. Most often, paralysis of the muscles of the limbs is observed. One arm or one leg may be affected, both arms or one arm and one leg on one half of the body, or all limbs at once. Paralysis of the muscles of the tongue, neck, and other muscle groups is rare.

Hysterical contractures most often affect the muscles of the extremities of the neck (hysterical torticollis) or torso. They can fix the body in very elaborate poses that have not been observed with organic lesions. If with true paralysis and contractures there is extinction of reflexes and a decrease in muscle tone (shrinkage of the limb), then with hysterical paralysis and contractures this is not observed. Reflexes remain alert and muscle tone is good. Hysterical movement disorders resolve during sleep or under extreme conditions. An example is the case of one patient who “sat for several years, and during a fire she jumped up, and even pulled out a chest with her expensive things, which two stalwarts could not lift.” Or another patient who also lay immobilized for several years, she was spoon-fed, but at night she went to the kitchen to eat, and her family wondered where the best and tidbits had gone, but she was beyond suspicion, since she suffered from paralysis of all four limbs.

In patients with hysterical movement disorders(paralysis, paresis) there is no characteristic posture of truly paralyzed people, their limbs drag and dangle like attached prostheses, and the leg is affected more severely than the arm, since they need to eat or grab something with their hands. In addition, in patients with hysteria, the muscles of the face and tongue are not affected, as in patients with paralysis, they simply really need them.

With hysteria, sensitivity disorders are also observed, which are expressed in a decrease in pain sensitivity or in its increase, hysterical pain. The distribution of areas of sensitivity impairment does not correspond to the areas of innervation of the sensory nerve roots, but is associated with the idea of ​​​​the distribution of functions.

In this regard, most often these anesthesia are in the form of geometric figures or like a glove, stocking, pants, jacket, or a clear half of the body with a border along the midline. But if the patient learns about the correct areas of innervation, then the areas of anesthesia change.

Hysterical pain can be of a very different nature and have a varied, sometimes most unimaginable localization (for example, a limited area on the head, as if from a driven nail). Often pain can be localized where the patient previously had damage. Hysterical pain is very difficult to distinguish from physical pain. You can give the patient analgin without telling him about it. Psychogenic pain will remain, while physical pain will decrease. If you suggest to a patient that pain will be relieved by a certain “medicine” and give him colored water, then this “medicine” will have an effect on him. This is what distinguishes psychogenic pain from physical pain.

With hysteria, disorders of autonomic functions can be observed, which are extremely diverse. The described form includes spasms of the muscles of the esophagus, which cause a “hysterical lump” that rolls up to the throat; there may be difficulty in passing food through the esophagus.

Hysterical vomiting can be sharp, sporadic and occur during certain situations, but it can also be frequent and imitate food obstruction. Most often, vomiting occurs immediately after eating food or when trying to eat it. In this case, the presence of “spectators” is simply necessary, in addition to the motive of “pleasantness” or “profitability” of the situation. Sometimes there are pictures of pseudoappendicitis, bloating, and shortness of breath. Shortness of breath is observed in different ways: “hound dog breathing” may be accompanied by sounds (whistling, hissing, bubbling, etc.). There may be imitation of bronchial asthma (pseudo-asthmatic attacks), hysterical angina, pseudo-infarction. Attacks of tachycardia and cardiovascular disorders in the form of fainting are observed. They differ from “neuroses of the heart” which relate to neurasthenia in that they are based on the mechanism of pleasantness or profitability. These diseases provide the patient with certain everyday benefits: relief from being in a dangerous situation, release from work, creation of a “position” in the family. Hence the demonstrative manifestation of the disease in the presence of interested parties, theatricality, pretense in behavior and unexpectedly rapid “healing” when the need for these moments disappears.

Hysterical sensory disorders most often manifested in visual and hearing impairment.

Among hysterical visual disorders, a concentric narrowing of the visual fields is observed. Usually it is bilateral and can be combined with a distortion of color perception. It is important to note that this pronounced narrowing of the visual fields does not prevent patients from orienting themselves in space.

Hysterical amaurosis - complete hysterical blindness - can occur in one eye or in both. With complete hysterical blindness in one eye, binocular vision is preserved, since patients also use the “blind” eye. With complete hysterical blindness in both eyes, patients are convinced that they “see absolutely nothing,” but in reality, visual perceptions are preserved. This explains the fact that these patients, despite their “blindness,” never find themselves in life-threatening conditions.

Hysterical deafness most often occurs during wartime and is more common than hysterical blindness. Deafness can be combined with speech impairment (muteness - mutism) and surdomutism occurs. Often, with deafness of hysterical origin, there is an absence or decrease in the sensitivity of the ears, which in reality cannot be. People with hysterical deafness perceive speech perfectly, regardless of its volume and complexity. The main thing is the informational meaning of speech and the focus of attention. Thus, “deafness” has the character of selective inability to hear the environment; all information that relates to “their person” is assimilated and processed accordingly.

Hysterical aphonia (loss of sonority of the voice) and hysterical mesticism (speech impairment - muteness) may be observed. Hysterical mutism is based on spasm of the vocal cords. In contrast to organically caused aphonia, the cough in patients remains sonorous, as is the case with hysterical mutism.

Patients with hysterical mutism try and willingly communicate using gestures or writing. Unlike patients with organic aphasia, patients with hysterical mutism retained their understanding of oral speech, reading, and writing, but the patients were reluctant to attempt to speak, preferring to express themselves in writing. Mutism caused by a traumatic experience gives a picture of numbness of the tongue, impaired movement of the tongue in the mouth (slowness), the inability to stick the tongue out of the oral cavity, as well as impaired sensitivity of the tongue, pharynx, skin around the mouth and the tracheal area. Hysterical mutism can stop immediately and recovery will occur.

With hysteria, mental disorders can often be observed. And they are very diverse. These can be short-term hallucinations with a bright emotional coloring and a theatrical and dramatic nature of the experience. Usually they reflect an event that worries the patient, his desire or fear.

Hysterical memory impairment most often occurs in the form of amnesia for certain events of the past, usually uncaused for the patient. One or another period of time associated with the commission of an offense may be subject to hysterical amnesia. Once “memory loss” is no longer “pleasant” or “beneficial,” the memory returns. This selective systemic nature of the memory disorder in hysteria marks organically caused memory impairment.

Hysteria also includes various phobias. An example is a certain married couple, the husband, who lost attention to his wife, became more rude than in his younger years. During this period, the wife suffered a severe infection; doctors said that this infection affected the nervous system. There was a fear of going out alone, heart palpitations, fainting. After the patient began to be accompanied (by her husband or someone from the household) by the law of “pleasantness” and a knot was tied according to the law of the conditioned reflex, her “status” in the family changed, attention and care, and the constant presence of loved ones increased. The phobia acquired the character of “conditional pleasantness, advantage” and was consolidated until the husband left. The reflex arc broke and the patient practically recovered, finding a more pleasant activity for herself.

Hysterical asthenia characterized by complaints of increased fatigue and loss of strength. Behavior often displays demonstrative and theatrical traits. Concerned about heaviness in the head, headaches, lethargy, drowsiness. These same patients, when they are not in the doctor’s field of view or are passionate about work that promises them moral and material benefits, or when they are in the center of attention or events, do not experience increased fatigue. Hysterical asthenia reveals a selective, elective character and is actually an expression of self-hypnosis about the presence of supposedly increased fatigue.

Hysterical hypochondriasis is distinguished by its connection with a traumatic situation, which makes the idea of ​​having a serious illness “conditionally pleasant.” Let's return to the example of a certain married couple described above. The wife, having been to the hospital, was convinced of the severity of her illness and soon read the diagnosis in the doctor’s note: “vegetative-vascular dystonia.” This diagnosis acquired a “conditionally pleasant” connotation for her. And even after the reflexive-emotional arc has been broken, in some situations she presents this diagnosis as something tragic, incurable, with bitterness in her voice and on her face.

Hysterical twilight states can also be observed as a private hysterical form.

Hysterical twilight states are characterized by a sharp narrowing of consciousness with the turning off of the actually existing environment and its replacement with a new, desired one. The behavior of patients in this case is very expressive, emotional, theatrical in nature. They seem to act out scenes during which they can express delusional ideas and experience vivid stage hallucinations. An example would be a mother who has lost her child. During the twilight state, she experienced scenes associated with caring for him, put him to bed, and asked those around her not to make noise. Or a woman who lost her husband kept reliving scenes of them falling in love and preparing for the wedding.

Under the influence of self-hypnosis, against the background of a narrowed consciousness, attacks of hysterical glossopalia - automatic involuntary speech in a non-existent language - may occur.

Hysterical twilight states They differ from twilight states in epilepsy, organic diseases, and effectively shock states in that they are characterized by theatricality, affectation, and a stage depiction of a new, pleasant situation for the patient.

At the same time, patients easily come into contact with others, including them in the environment they are experiencing. If at the same time they are asked questions, then they answer absurdly but in the context of the question, when with other organic or mental diseases (schizophrenia) the answer sounds absurd and off topic.

One of the forms of hysterical psychosis is hysterical stupor, which acutely develops in response to mental trauma and is characterized by general immobility and muteness. At the same time, the facial expression is pained, tense, there are tears in the eyes, fear on the face. The face is flushed (maybe pale), the pupils are dilated, the gaze is fixed on one point, the pulse is increased.

A pseudopostotonic stupor may be observed, which has grotesque features. The patients are lethargic, apathetic with frozen, tense facial expressions. Speech is sparse, often a little restrained. In bed, patients take pretentious poses, are unkempt, and can imitate animals in their behavior, but all this is demonstrative in nature and there is no dynamics of the disease.

Hysteria can take a different course and last from several minutes to several years if the patient continues to be in a traumatic environment. The cessation of the action of psychostimulants and the appearance of new ones, which indicate that the threat to the patient’s well-being has passed, lead to the removal of the hysterical symptom. Elimination of a hysterical symptom can occur in a state of passion (“grab the chest - the house is on fire”).

“Throw a tantrum” or “become hysterical” - people often use such expressions, but they give little thought to what they mean. In fact, absolutely all people can be hysterical. However, a hysterical attack is attributed to neuropsychiatric disorders, which are characterized by their own symptoms. Only with the help of specialists is treatment and first aid possible.

What people call , is usually not considered such. Only externally does a person’s behavior resemble a hysterical attack. However, this phenomenon has certain characteristics and signs of manifestation, which will be discussed on the psychological help website.

A hysterical attack is called a protest or provocation for the purpose of obtaining personal gain or achieving someone else's attention. Hysteria is usually attributed to women and children. However, men can also experience hysterical attacks.

The duration of pathological behavior cannot be determined. It lasts a different amount of time for everyone. Some are hysterical for a few minutes, others for hours. Typically, a seizure occurs during the daytime and is preceded by unpleasant experiences that arise in a person.

We can say that hysteria is a consequence of not achieving what you want. A person is indignant, indignant, worried, angry because he did not get his way. Now he's hysterical. This is one of the methods of manipulation, which should force others to do what is required of them. Why does a person get hysterical? Because he's used to it. This is how he got what he wanted before. His behavior was encouraged by other people.

Providing first aid at the time of a hysterical attack is very important. The point is that excessive nervous tension leads to a deterioration in cerebral blood supply, which can lead to a stroke or heart attack. Also, this type of seizure should be distinguished from epileptic.

What is a hysterical attack?

A hysterical attack is popularly called inappropriate behavior. However, if such behavior is truly inappropriate in a healthy person, then the patient actually needs help. A hysterical attack is behavior of a psychoneurotic nature that occurs as a result of protest or provocation.


The person is indignant, indignant, angry, irritated. Everyone expresses these experiences differently. A person of the hysterical type resorts to hysterical attacks with their corresponding symptoms.

Hysterical attacks were also described by Hippocrates, who called them “rabies of the uterus,” attributing this disease exclusively to women. However, it has already been proven that the behavior in question is inherent in absolutely all genders and any age. It’s just that in society it is customary for a woman to be an emotional person and express her feelings in full than for a man.

Hysterical seizures are characteristic of a certain group of people:

  • Suggestible and self-suggestible.
  • Dreamers.
  • Unstable in mood and behavior.
  • Seeking to attract attention through extravagant behavior.
  • Those who strive for theatricality in public.

The cause of hysterical fits can be phobias, fatigue, hostility, belief in a conspiracy, etc. About 7-9% of the total population suffers from hysterical fits. Often, a hysterical personality manifests itself from childhood. If parents notice that their child is screaming excessively, arching, crying loudly and screaming, then it is necessary to show him to a pediatric neurologist.

There are often advanced cases when hysterical attacks are already habitual for a person. They are no longer manifested by a child, but by an adult. Psychiatric treatment is necessary here, which consists of prescribing medications and conducting consultations. The most important task is to identify the life circumstances that led to hysteria.

Symptoms of a hysterical attack

All people experience hysterical attacks differently. However, doctors identify common symptoms of their manifestation, according to the patients themselves:

  • Body trembling.
  • The onset of deafness, blindness and paralysis.
  • Erratic body movements: throwing up arms and legs, wringing elbows, clenching and grinding teeth, pulling out hair.
  • Bending into an arc with the whole body, while leaning on the heels and head.
  • Saying the same words.
  • Crying and screaming, laughing.
  • Loss of coordination.
  • Speech disorder.
  • Frequent urination, hiccups, esophageal spasm, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, belching.
  • Falls to the floor are sudden, but such as not to harm yourself. Then erratic, chaotic movements of arms and legs and theatrical expressiveness.
  • Absence of epileptic symptoms: tongue biting, discharge from the mouth, excessive sweating, uneven breathing, non-fixation to light, involuntary defecation and urination.
  • Remembering what happens.
  • Pain in the region of the heart with tachycardia.
  • Feeling short of air.
  • Redness of the skin of the face, neck, forehead.
  • Closing the eyes with the inability to open them.
  • Cramps after falling on the floor.
  • Tearing one's clothes.

A person after a hysterical attack remembers everything and quickly returns or moves on to another activity, which is simply impossible after an epileptic seizure. When he achieves his goal, he enjoys it. This indicates the pretense of the situation. There is no unconsciousness here, and there is also a childish facial expression to create the illusion of misunderstanding.


Hand tremors and contraction of body muscles are the final stage. There are no hysterical attacks during sleep. Hysteria can often be accompanied by ideas about people having diseases. This develops hypochondria when the patient begins to consult doctors with fictitious symptoms.

It should be noted that a hysterical person acts rationally. She acts exactly in the way that is beneficial, useful, and convenient for her. At the same time, the actions are feigned. To some extent the person loses sensitivity. Pain appears in various parts of the body, and disorders also arise:

  • In the senses:
  • Loss of hearing or vision.
  • Hysterical blindness in one or two eyes.
  • Narrowing of the field of view.
  • Hysterical deafness.
  • Speech disorders:
  • Stuttering.
  • Dumbness.
  • Hysterical aphonia.
  • Pronunciation by syllables.
  • Movement disorders:
  • Trembling of individual parts or the entire body.
  • Unilateral paresis of the arm.
  • Paralysis.
  • Arching the body.
  • Inability to perform an action.
  • Nervous tics of facial muscles.
  • Paralysis of the muscles of the face, tongue, neck.
  • Disorder of internal organs:
  • Psychogenic vomiting.
  • Lack of appetite.
  • Dyspnea.
  • Swallowing disorder.
  • Simulation of bronchial asthma.
  • Nausea.
  • Cough.
  • Pseudoappendicitis.
  • Hiccups.
  • Yawn.
  • Flatulence.
  • Belching.

Hysterical seizures in children

Hysteria is quite common among children. Often they are “idols”, “favorites” in the family. Such children exhibit selfishness, suggestibility, increased sensitivity, mood instability, impressionability, and egocentrism. A hysterical attack occurs due to the child's dissatisfaction with dissatisfaction and anger. The seizure, like in adults, has a theatrical quality and lasts until the baby gets what he wants.


Rarely, hysterical attacks are accompanied by blinking and neurotic tics, whining, stuttering, and tongue-tiedness. These symptoms appear only in the presence of those people to whom they are directed, and disappear when these people leave and do not pay attention.

Parents who experience hysterical attacks frantically search for an answer to the question of what to do. Since it is important for them that the baby behaves calmly and that others think of them as good parents, they try with all their might to calm the baby down. But this is possible only if his desires are satisfied, for the sake of which the hysteria was staged. If the desires are satisfied, then the baby will think that hysteria is the only way to get what he wants from his parents, and will again resort to this method of manipulation.

How to treat a hysterical attack?

A hysterical attack occurs suddenly and develops rapidly. It causes confusion when it first appears. If it repeats day after day, then you need to contact a neuropsychiatrist or psychiatrist. How to treat a hysterical attack? This issue should be dealt with by a doctor who will first clarify the diagnosis and then decide on treatment, depending on the severity of its manifestation.


A seizure is preceded by a strong experience that develops over a long period of time. Hysteria is a consequence of incontinence of emotions. Since hysterical seizures can lead to oxygen starvation of the brain, first aid should be provided quickly.

Due to an attack, when breathing and heartbeat are disrupted in the human body, the brain does not receive sufficient blood supply. This can lead to a stroke or heart attack. The following actions can be the first aid:

  • The calmness of those around them, their behavior as if nothing was happening.
  • Creating a peaceful environment.
  • Transferring a person to a calm environment.
  • Give ammonia a whiff.
  • Removing strangers from the premises.
  • Do not pay attention to the patient and remain at some distance from him.
  • Do not lose sight of the patient and do not hold his arms, head, or shoulders.

You should call a doctor if the attacks of hysteria do not go away. You can sprinkle cold water on the patient. At the same time, it is forbidden to indulge him, as this will make him think about the correctness of his behavior.

For prevention, you can use decoctions of valerian, motherwort, and sleeping pills. The patient’s attention should not be drawn to his illness and symptoms.

Hysterical seizures first appear in childhood or adolescence. They can then be smoothed out. However, if severe, hysterical symptoms may reappear in adulthood.

Results

Hysteria is common. It manifests itself in almost all children. However, over the years the symptoms smooth out. Many people completely get rid of hysteria, which happens with the help of their parents. However, the actions of parents who indulge their child can lead to a negative outcome.

Hysterical attacks are theatrical in nature. They are intended for specific people. If these people stop paying attention to them, then the seizures may disappear. However, this depends on the psychological health of the hysterical person. In some cases, seizures are part of his nature.

Hysterical neurosis is a type of neurosis and most often manifests itself in the form of demonstrative emotional reactions (sudden screaming, laughter, intense crying), as well as convulsive hyperkinesis, loss of sensitivity, hallucinations, transient paralysis, fainting, etc. The basis of hysteria is the increased suggestibility and self-hypnosis of a person, the desire to attract the attention of others.

ICD-10 code

F60.4 Histrionic personality disorder

Causes of hysterical neurosis

The word “hystera” is of Greek origin and translated means “uterus,” which is due to the opinion of ancient Greek doctors about the prevalence of this pathology among women due to dysfunction of the uterus. Scientific research into the nature of the disease was initiated by Charcot back in the 19th century. The scientist believed that the causes of the disease were hereditary and constitutional factors. As a type of neurosis, hysteria began to be considered by medical science only at the beginning of the 20th century.

The leading signs of hysteria are seizures with convulsions, a squeezing headache, numbness of some areas of the skin and pressure in the throat. The main cause of this condition is considered to be a mental experience, as a result of which there was a breakdown in the mechanisms of higher nervous activity due to some external factor or intrapersonal conflict. The disease can develop suddenly as a consequence of severe mental trauma, or due to a prolonged unfavorable situation.

Hysterical neurosis can arise as a result of a person prone to hysterical psychopathy getting into an unfavorable environment or situation that severely traumatizes his psyche. Most often, this is a violent reaction to a family or domestic conflict, as well as conditions in which there is a real threat to life. The disease can develop under the influence of negative factors that arise suddenly or act over a long period of time and constantly depress the human psyche.

The causes of hysterical neurosis are of a stressful nature and are associated with various problems and conflicts that throw a person out of balance, cause a feeling of fear and self-doubt, and an inability to cope with the situation. People with an overly excitable or immature psyche, who are characterized by lack of independence of judgment and impressionability, sudden emotional swings, and increased suggestibility, are most often prone to hysterical reactions.

Freud believed that the main factors provoking the development of hysteria were sexual complexes and mental trauma that arose in early childhood. The true cause of pathology can be considered the predominance of human emotions over reason. Negative emotions that arise as a result of a certain psychotraumatic situation “result” in bodily (somatic) symptoms. Thus, a so-called “conversion mechanism” appears, which is aimed at reducing the level of negative feelings and enabling the self-protective function.

Pathogenesis

Hysterical neurosis in most cases occurs in people who are often suggestible, sensitive, vulnerable and prone to worry.

The pathogenesis of the disease is determined by both exogenous and endogenous causes. The basis of each neurosis is the peculiarities of personality development, its psyche and behavior, which often depend on increased emotionality. We are talking about psychogenicity as a consequence of stress, frequent conflicts, emotional burnout, and neuropsychic overstrain. The main risk factors for the occurrence of hysterical neurosis include physical and mental stress, alcohol abuse, dysfunction in family life, various somatic diseases, professional dissatisfaction, as well as uncontrolled use of medications (in particular, tranquilizers and sleeping pills).

Hysteria most often develops in individuals with pronounced premorbid character traits (prone to overvalued education, perseverance, uncompromisingness, obsessions, pedantry, rigidity). Practice shows that neurasthenic disorders are also possible in persons lacking neurotic character traits - with vegetoneurosis (impaired functioning of the autonomic nervous system), reactive state and excessive neuropsychic stress.

Symptoms of hysterical neurosis

Hysterical neurosis is a classic form of neurosis and often develops as a result of a strong psychotraumatic factor. This disorder is accompanied by various somatovegetative, sensory and motor manifestations. Most often, this disease occurs in people with hysterical psychopathy.

Hysteria as a mental disorder has a code according to ICD 10 and, according to it, is diagnosed against the background of general factors of personality disorder, which can be combined with three or more signs. Among these signs, first of all, we can highlight:

  • exaggerated expression of emotions;
  • easy suggestibility;
  • self-dramatization;
  • constant desire for increased excitement;
  • a person’s excessive preoccupation with his physical attractiveness;
  • emotional lability;
  • easy susceptibility of a person to the influence of circumstances and others;
  • inadequate seductiveness (in behavior and appearance), etc.

Additionally, one can identify such features of a hysteric as manipulative behavior aimed at immediate satisfaction of personal needs, the desire to be recognized, self-centeredness and self-indulgence, excessive touchiness, etc. With hysterical neurosis, the symptoms are pronounced and are used by the patient to attract the attention of others to their problems.

Hysterical neurosis manifests itself in the form of disorders of the nervous system, sensory, autonomic and somatic disorders, and therefore has different variations in symptoms.

The main symptoms of hysterical neurosis are associated with a seizure that occurs in response to various traumatic situations, for example, a quarrel or unpleasant news. The classic manifestation of hysteria is a demonstrative fall, a pained expression on the face, flailing movements of the limbs, screams, tears and laughter. At the same time, consciousness is preserved, and the person can be brought back to his senses with a slap in the face or cold water. Before an attack of hysteria, symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, chest pain, and a lump in the throat may occur. Typically, an attack of hysteria occurs in crowded places or near those people whom the patient is trying to manipulate.

As a result of a motor disorder, loss of voice, complete or partial paralysis of the limbs, tremors, impaired motor coordination, tic, and paralysis of the tongue may occur. Such disorders are short-term and are caused by the emotional state of a person. Most often they are combined with fainting states, “theatrical” wringing of hands, unusual poses and lamentations. Emotional disturbances manifest themselves in the form of depressed mood, repetition of stereotypical movements, and panic fears.

Somatic manifestations of hysteria are most often observed in the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Disturbances in the functioning of the autonomic nervous system manifest themselves in the form of convulsive seizures. The manifestation of sensory disorders is associated with decreased sensitivity in the limbs, deafness and blindness, narrowing of the field of vision, hysterical pain, which can be localized in various parts of the body.

First signs

Hysterical neurosis most often manifests itself under the influence of a strong mental experience associated with some event or situation (conflict in the family or at work, stress, emotional shock).

The first signs of hysterical neurosis can occur as self-hypnosis. A person begins to listen to his body and the work of his internal organs, and any increase in heart rate or the occurrence of pain in the chest, back, abdomen and other parts of the body can plunge him into panic. As a result, thoughts about illnesses appear, often serious, life-threatening, incurable. In addition, a clear sign of hysteria is hypersensitivity to external stimuli. The patient may be irritated by loud noises and bright lights. There is increased fatigue, deterioration of attention and memory. The patient finds it increasingly difficult to perform simple tasks, performs his job duties worse, and cannot cope with his work.

Despite the fact that a person feels unwell, a medical examination, as a rule, does not reveal any serious pathologies in the functioning of the internal organs. According to statistics, neurotics make up a larger percentage of outpatient patients.

Hysterical neurosis in children

Hysterical neurosis can occur in people of different age categories. Children are no exception, and they are absolutely healthy physically and mentally. Among the most common factors that cause hysteria in a child are errors in upbringing, excessive demands from parents, and frequent stress associated with conflicts in the family. With constant exposure to a psychotraumatic factor on a child, hysteria becomes chronic.

Hysterical neurosis in children manifests itself in the form of:

  • crying and screaming;
  • moodiness;
  • rapid heartbeat;
  • headaches;
  • loss of appetite and nausea;
  • abdominal cramps;
  • poor sleep;
  • attacks of respiratory arrest;
  • defiantly falling and hitting the floor.

Children diagnosed with hysteria are characterized by displaying their fears and wanting adults to pay more attention to them. Often an attack of hysteria is a method of achieving what you want, for example, getting a toy you like.

In older children, including teenagers, hysteria may cause changes in skin sensitivity and, less commonly, blindness and signs found in adults. It should be noted that hysterical neuroses worsen during the child’s puberty (the so-called age crisis) and generally have a favorable prognosis.

Hysterical neurosis in adolescents

Hysterical neurosis often appears in adolescents who are experiencing an age crisis - i.e. period of puberty. Symptoms of the pathology are rapid heartbeat, headaches, and insomnia. The child has no appetite, nausea and abdominal cramps, in some cases – phobias (fears), an unrealistic experience of the present, depression, isolation and alienation, as well as confusion of thoughts.

Hysterical neurosis in adolescents is characterized by a change in symptoms depending on the situation. Most often, the development of hysteria is associated with prolonged exposure to psychotrauma that infringes on the child’s personality. Clinical manifestations of the disease are observed in pampered, weak-willed children, in whose upbringing the moments of instilling hard work, independence, and an understanding of what is possible and what is not allowed were missed. For such teenagers, the “I want” – “give” principle dominates; desires contradict reality; dissatisfaction with their position in the school community and family arises.

According to I.P. Pavlov, the causes of hysteria are the predominance of the first signaling system over the second, i.e. The “hysterical subject” is subjected to emotional experiences that suppress reason. The result is a condition similar to the symptoms of schizophrenia (gaps in thoughts or the presence of two streams of thinking).

Hysterical neurosis in women

Hysterical neurosis manifests itself in sensitive, receptive and emotional natures, and therefore is more common in women than in men. This explains the origin of the word “hystera”, which means “uterus” in Greek.

Hysterical neurosis in women has the following symptoms:

  • sexual relationship disorders;
  • blood pressure disorder;
  • sleep pathologies;
  • pain in the heart area
  • nausea;
  • pain in the abdomen;
  • tendency to fatigue;
  • trembling in hands;
  • the appearance of sweating;
  • strong emotional experiences;
  • tendency to conflict;
  • respiratory system disorders;
  • depressed mood;
  • severe sensitivity to bright light and loud sounds;
  • obsessive thoughts and actions;
  • severe irritability;
  • darkening of the eyes;
  • angina attacks;
  • convulsive seizures (less often).

Hysteria in women is characterized by increased suggestibility; a distinctive feature of the disease is pronounced demonstrativeness. The root cause may be a severe emotional shock or mental experience that arose as a result of any external circumstances (quarrels, stress, a series of failures), as well as internal conflict. Nervous shock can be associated with mental overload and fatigue, weakened immunity after illness, and lack of proper sleep and rest. An attack of hysteria in women is accompanied by a lump in the throat, lack of air, heaviness in the heart and strong heartbeat.

Complications and consequences

Hysterical neurosis leads to unpleasant consequences that are associated with psycho-emotional exhaustion, obsessive states, and depression. It is important to help the patient in time to prevent the development of concomitant diseases.

The consequences of hysteria can be very diverse:

  • Marked decrease in working capacity. It is difficult for a person to perform his usual work due to deterioration of thinking abilities and poor memorization, decreased concentration, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and lack of proper rest.
  • Conflict. Due to accompanying symptoms (touchiness, tearfulness, fear, anxiety), problems arise in the family and at work, the person enters into conflicts with other people, which leads to misunderstanding.
  • The emergence of obsessive states (thoughts, memories, fears). Because of this symptom, a person is afraid of repeating a mistake, is forced to avoid traumatic situations and constantly monitor the situation to make sure that his decisions are correct.
  • Decompensation of existing diseases and development of new ones. Due to the negative impact of hysterical neurosis on the somatic sphere, the adaptive capabilities of the body deteriorate, which leads to the risk of concomitant diseases of internal organs, infectious and colds.

Thus, neurosis negatively affects the patient’s quality of life, significantly worsening well-being and relationships with others. Often a person feels useless and deeply unhappy.

Complications

Hysterical neurosis occurs against a background of excessive anxiety, psycho-emotional stress, and if the disease is not diagnosed in time, the patient may develop complications. Only an experienced doctor can make the correct diagnosis. Without medical care, the patient will suffer for a long time and think that he is terminally ill.

Complications of hysterical neurosis most often concern the functioning of internal organs. Due to increased excitability, irritability, and attacks of hysteria, cardiac neurosis may develop, which will lead to panic attacks. The main signs of panic are lack of air, fear of death against the background of a strong heartbeat, and semi-fainting. Often such conditions are accompanied by disorders of the autonomic nervous system.

A person prone to hysteria may experience complications in the form of a malfunction of the gastrointestinal tract (nausea, cramps, constipation), as well as other organs. If the disease has entered the chronic stage, then the person may experience changes in behavior and character, loss of ability to work, apathy, deterioration in general well-being, and fatigue.

After a seizure, hysterical hemiplegia (unilateral paralysis of a limb) may occur, which passes without a trace without disturbances in muscle tone and changes in reflexes. Another complication that should also be noted is dysphagia - difficulty swallowing, discomfort or inability to swallow (saliva, liquid, solid food).

In addition, a person prone to hysteria experiences problems with labor and social adaptation due to various neurological disorders (muscle weakness, blindness, deafness, unsteady gait and memory loss). Depression is the extreme degree of emotional depression of the patient.

Diagnosis of hysterical neurosis

Hysterical neurosis is diagnosed on the basis of clinical manifestations that are characteristic of this pathological condition. When examining a patient, a neurologist may detect tremor of the fingers, increased tendon and periosteal reflexes in the patient.

Diagnosis of hysterical neurosis is carried out using instrumental studies to confirm the presence or absence of organic disorders of the internal organs. For movement disorders, MRI of the spinal cord and CT scan of the spine are prescribed, the same methods confirm the absence of any organic pathology. To exclude vascular pathology, ultrasound examination of the vessels of the neck and head, rheoencephalography, and angiography of cerebral vessels are performed. EMG (electromyography) and EEG (electroencephalography) also help confirm the diagnosis of hysteria.

Consultations with other doctors – an epileptologist, a neurosurgeon – may be necessary, depending on the patient’s complaints and clinical picture. An important role is played by the analysis of the medical history (clarification of questions about what preceded the onset of hysteria, whether there are currently any traumatic factors).

A neurological examination is aimed at searching for signs that would confirm organic pathology. These include pathological reflexes, nystagmus, autonomic skin disorders (numbness, thinning of the skin). An examination by a psychiatrist allows you to find out the nature of the disease (presence of stress, depression).

Differential diagnosis

Hysterical neurosis requires diagnosis to confirm that the patient does not have any organic disorders. Neurosthenic-like complaints of the patient force one to differentiate the disease with neurasthenia or obsessive-phobic neurosis (the differences lie in the display of phobias, demonstrative expression of dissatisfaction and presentation of complaints, and the demand for increased attention to one’s person).

Differential diagnosis is aimed at comparing similar pathological conditions and establishing a final diagnosis. A picture similar to hysteria can be observed in a patient with sluggish schizophrenia, in which hysterical symptoms are stable and “rough,” and there is no change in symptoms characteristic of hysteria according to a particular situation.

Autonomic crises, which are characteristic of organic brain lesions, can be difficult for the differential diagnosis of hysteria. Such crises often occur spontaneously; they either lack a psychogenic factor or it does not have selective significance. To clarify the diagnosis, it is necessary to conduct a neurological and electroencephalographic examination of the patient. The doctor makes a differential diagnosis of the classic picture of hysterical neurosis (attacks of aggression, blindness, deafness, nervous attacks with falling, paralysis of the limbs) with organic diseases of the central nervous system and epilepsy.

Treatment of hysterical neurosis

Hysterical neurosis requires an integrated approach to treatment and the selection of the most effective methods aimed at eliminating psychotraumatic factors, creating favorable conditions for proper sleep and rest, psychotherapy and restorative therapy. The main goal is to relieve the patient of obsessive states, phobias, and restore the psycho-emotional background.

Treatment of hysterical neurosis includes:

  • taking medications (tranquilizers, sedatives and hypnotics, antidepressants, antipsychotics);
  • occupational therapy;
  • manual therapy and massage;
  • physical therapy;
  • general strengthening procedures;
  • auto-training;
  • herbal medicine and traditional medicine.

Psychotherapy, of course, occupies a central place in treatment. At individual sessions, the doctor will try to find out the reasons that provoked the development of hysteria, help the patient deal with the problems that led to this condition, and identify the main psychotraumatic factor in order to eliminate it.

With the protracted nature of hysterical neurosis, tranquilizers (Phenazepam, Diazepam) are combined with antipsychotics (Eglonil, Neuleptil, Chlorprothixene), which have a corrective effect on human behavior. In severe forms of the disease, the patient requires hospitalization.

Medicines

Hysterical neurosis is treated with various medications, the administration of which requires responsibility and focus. The doctor will select the most effective medications depending on the degree of development of the disease, the clinical picture, and the patient’s condition.

Medicines that are most often prescribed for neuroses, including the hysterical type:

  • tranquilizers in tablets and capsules (Elenium, Sibazon, Diazepam, Relanium, Oxazepam, Phenazepam, etc.);
  • tranquilizers by injection (Diazepam, Chlordiazepoxide) - in difficult situations accompanied by persistent obsessions, massive hysterical disorders);
  • neuroleptics in small doses (Neuleptil, Etaperazine, Thioridazine, Eglonil);
  • long-acting drugs (Fluspirilene, Fluorphenazine decanoate);
  • antidepressants (Amitriptyline, Doxepin, Melipramin, Anafranil; Fluoxetine, Sertraline, Citalopram, etc.);
  • sleeping pills for insomnia (Nitrazepam, Melaxen, Donormil, Chlorprothixene);
  • biogenic stimulants - as a tonic (Apilak, Pantocrine);
  • vitamin complexes (Apitonus P, group B drugs).

In cases of motor dysfunction, mutism, and surdomutism, amytal-caffeine disinhibition (injections of a solution of caffeine 20% and amytal-sodium 5%) has a good effect. When observing a patient with prolonged hysterical seizures, enema administration of chloral hydrate is indicated, as well as slow intravenous administration of solutions of magnesium sulfate 25% and calcium chloride 10%. Therapy includes restorative methods, sanatorium treatment, massages, etc.

Traditional treatment

Hysterical neurosis can be well treated with medications in combination with traditional methods aimed at strengthening the immune system, eliminating irritation, attacks of aggression, insomnia, etc. These are infusions of medicinal herbs, consumption of fresh juices, milk, bee products (royal jelly).

For example, to relieve tension and fatigue during hysteria, you can use the following herbal mixture: mix hop cones (3 tablespoons) with mint and lemon balm (2 tablespoons each), as well as chamomile (1 tablespoon) and chop using a meat grinder. Then 3 tbsp. spoons of the resulting mixture should be poured with boiling water (800 g), kept in a water bath for 20 minutes, left to brew and strain. It is recommended to take this remedy 0.5 cup three times a day for 30 minutes. before meals.

Traditional treatment also comes down to hydrotherapy in the form of salt wraps, therapy with mud, clay, earth, oils, sand, etc. For example, compresses with hot sand, which are applied to the feet for 20 minutes, help relieve nervous tension. In this case, the patient must be put to bed and wrapped up; it is good if after such a procedure he falls asleep.

Essential oils of lavender, ginger, rosemary, and nutmeg have a beneficial effect on the nervous system. Every evening before going to bed, the patient is recommended to drink 1 glass of warm milk - this promotes sound, healthy sleep.

Herbal treatment

Hysterical neurosis responds well to treatment with herbs, in combination with drug therapy, as well as restorative methods, massage, physical therapy and other types of treatment. The main focus of herbal therapy is to restore the functions of the nervous system, reduce irritability and anxiety, strengthen the immune system, improve general well-being, eliminate symptoms of depression, and get rid of insomnia.

Herbal treatment involves the use of various decoctions and infusions of valerian, hawthorn, motherwort, St. John's wort, viburnum, lemon balm - medicinal plants that are famous for their calming properties. Below are the most effective recipes for the treatment of hysterical neurosis.

  • Infusion of valerian root. 1 tablespoon of the plant (crushed roots) should be poured with a glass of boiling water and left for 12 hours (you can leave the decoction overnight) using a thermos. The finished product must be taken 1 tbsp. spoon three times a day for no more than 1 month; the dose can be increased with severe excitability.
  • Decoction of lemon balm (mint). Pour 1 tablespoon of the plant into a glass of boiled water, boil for 10-15 minutes, then strain. Take half a glass in the morning and at night.
  • Hawthorn infusion. For the recipe you will need dry fruits of the plant (2 tablespoons), which need to be ground, then pour one and a half glasses of boiling water and leave. Divide the finished infusion into three doses, take 30 minutes before. before meals.
  • Decoction of viburnum bark. To prepare the recipe, you need to pour 10 g of crushed viburnum bark into a glass of boiling water, then boil for 30 minutes, strain, add boiled water to the resulting decoction to a volume of 200 ml. Take the product three times a day, a tablespoon before meals.
  • Motherwort remedies. To treat hysterical neurosis, you can use a decoction of the plant (15 g of shoot tips per glass of boiling water), as well as juice (30-40 drops taken several times a day).

Homeopathy

Hysterical neurosis responds well to treatment based on the use of homeopathic medications (in combination with drug therapy and other methods). Thus, to improve mental performance, attentiveness and physical endurance during hysteria, which is accompanied by asthenic syndrome, the so-called. "adaptogens". They have a mild stimulating effect, which manifests itself in reducing fatigue, accelerating recovery processes, and increasing immunity. Both aquatic and terrestrial plants, various microorganisms and even animals act as sources of natural adaptogens. Today, the most common adaptogens of plant origin include tinctures of medicinal plants: Schisandra chinensis, ginseng, aralia and zamaniha, as well as extracts of Eleutherococcus and Leuzea. Adaptogens of animal origin include complex preparations Pantocrine, Rantarin, Apilak, Panta-Forte, etc.

Homeopathy, used in the treatment of hysteria, has a beneficial effect on all organs and systems, promoting better absorption of oxygen by tissues, as well as stimulating cellular activity in the human body and restoring metabolism.

The Ginsana preparation has proven itself well in this regard in the form of a highly standardized ginseng extract without alcohol. It is made from carefully selected ginseng rhizomes using a special technology, which helps preserve the maximum amount of beneficial substances.

The drug Leuzea in the form of a liquid extract has psychostimulating activity and is used in the treatment of hysterical neurosis. It contains useful components: essential oils, alkaloids, organic acids and resins, a complex of vitamins. Stimulates the functioning of the nervous system, increasing reflex excitability, as well as motor activity.

Ginseng tincture, as well as Eleutherococcus liquid extract, has a tonic and stimulating effect on the body and has proven effective against overwork, stress, neurasthenia, asthenia, as well as weakened sexual function arising from neurosis. Both drugs have no side effects, but are contraindicated for insomnia, hypertension and increased excitability.

Surgical treatment

Hysterical neurosis is a pathological condition that combines motor, autonomic and sensory disorders. In this case, the patient may experience disturbances in the functions of sensitivity and perception.

Sometimes surgical treatment takes place, that is, surgical operations (laparotomy) for “Munchausen syndrome”, when the patient deliberately feigns the disease and demands treatment from doctors, moving from one hospital to another. This condition is caused by severe emotional disturbance. In most cases, people who suffer from this mental disorder are resourceful and quite intelligent. They not only skillfully simulate the symptoms of the disease, but also have reliable information about the signs and diagnostic methods, so they independently “manage” their treatment, requiring doctors to conduct a thorough examination and intensive therapy, including surgical intervention for the so-called. "hysterical pain" Against the background of conscious deception, subconscious motivations and an increased need for attention from medical staff arise.

Sensory disorders in hysteria are characterized by various sensory disturbances (hypostesthesia, hyperesthesia and anesthesia), which can occur in different parts of the body. Hysterical algia can also be observed in different parts of the body - both in the joints and limbs, and in the abdominal organs, in the heart, etc. Such patients are often referred to surgeons, who give them erroneous surgical diagnoses and perform abdominal operations.

Prevention

Hysterical neurosis can be prevented if you resort to preventive methods in time. First of all, a person needs to avoid in every possible way situations that have an adverse effect on his emotional system and psyche. Automotive training, listening to relaxing music, yoga, walks in the fresh air, hobbies, sports (for example, playing tennis or badminton, swimming, morning and evening jogging) are recommended.

Prevention is aimed at preventing attacks of hysteria, strengthening the nervous system and includes:

  • normalization of working and rest conditions;
  • ensuring adequate nutrition and sleep;
  • giving up bad habits;
  • establishing family and interpersonal relationships;
  • prevention of stress;
  • adequate sports activities;
  • healthy lifestyle.

People prone to hysteria should avoid sudden climate changes, since they have developed weather dependence. Relatives and friends need to take care of the patient, protecting him from shocking news, quarrels, and conflicts that can cause an emotional outburst. Restraint and absolute calm are in this case the best way to cope with an attack of hysteria. If the patient behaves rudely, you cannot respond with the same “coin” - this will only aggravate the situation.

The prognosis of the disease depends on the severity and personality characteristics of the patient. Thus, patients with signs of somnambulism, anorexia, and suicidal tendencies require longer treatment. An unfavorable outcome is observed if hysteria is combined with somatic diseases and organic lesions of the nervous system. In such cases, additional research, the prescription of complex therapy, and constant monitoring of the patient are required. Disability in hysterical neurosis is extremely rare.

If the psychotraumatic situation is successfully eliminated and treatment is started in a timely manner, the symptoms of neurosis disappear almost completely, and the person will again be able to lead a normal, fulfilling life.

Hysterical neurosis, in addition to medication and psychotherapeutic treatment, requires maintaining a healthy lifestyle and proper rest for rapid recovery of the body. The key role is played by disease prevention, which is based on compliance with measures to prevent nervous processes and mental disorders, preparing the nervous system for upcoming overstrains.

Hysteria is one of the varieties of complex neurosis. Its main manifestation is a specific affective-emotional attack. Having seen it once, you will never forget it again and will not confuse it with anything else. Also typical for the disease are the reversibility of mental disorders and the absence of local changes in the brain. Such patients try to attract as much attention to themselves as possible. It was once believed that this disease primarily affected women. But now it occurs equally in men.

Causes of hysteria

As with any mental illness, the main cause of hysteria is considered to be a violation of human behavior. The basis of hysteria is the development of behavior and personality. All this is directly dependent on how suggestible and emotional a person is. Often a hysterical attack is a consequence of conflict, various experiences and neuropsychic stress. The main role in the development of neurosis is played by human infantilism and hysterical character traits, burdened by heredity. Provoking factors include:

  • Severe diseases of internal organs.
  • Physical overexertion.
  • Dissatisfaction with professional activities.
  • Trouble in the family.
  • Injuries suffered.
  • Alcohol abuse.
  • Excessive use of medications.

In addition, it has been proven that the disease occurs in people lacking certain character traits. A person who is deprived of them, under the influence of provoking factors, has a reactive state. According to scientific research, a hysterical attack rarely occurs suddenly. Usually they prepare for it like actors before a performance. We can say that in this way the patient is trying to get away from an unbearable reality and get some benefits from it. There is even an assumption that, under the influence of certain factors, a person’s reflex is triggered and a hysterical reaction begins.

Signs of hysteria

The most important feature of the behavior of such patients is the desire to always be in the center of attention, to arouse feelings of envy and admiration in others. Such people try to dress loudly and provocatively, talk about high achievements, about the tragic past of their lives, often far-fetched. The disease begins with the appearance of signs of hysteria. It is provoked by a quarrel, emotional distress, and excitement. This diagnosis is most often not difficult to make. Although the disease has a large number of varied symptoms. It is not for nothing that in ancient times hysteria was called the “great malingerer,” since it can hide many diseases that require differentiated diagnosis. What can you see?

  • Demonstrative behavior with increased psycho-emotional explosion, various seizures.
  • Complaints of discomfort in the heart area, interruptions in heart function, lack of air.
  • Mood instability - crying is replaced by laughter.
  • Unsteady gait, functional paralysis and paresis, inability to move independently.
  • Playing for the public, there is childish, ridiculous behavior that does not correspond to the patient’s age.
  • Lack of sensitivity in some areas of the mucous membrane and skin.
  • Loss of consciousness with seizures. The patient remembers the state of the attack well, although he does not always talk about it.
  • Feeling of a lump in the throat.
  • Clutching headache.
  • Impaired perception of the surrounding world - changes in sensitivity, deafness and blindness.
  • “Flight into illness” - even a minor conflict with others causes a person to have an attack. They cannot work normally and pretend to be seriously ill.

Quite often, hysteria is hidden under many diseases that doctors try to treat for a long time and ineffectively using standard methods. But with hysteria, symptoms arise at those moments when the patient himself needs it. The classic manifestation of the disease is a hysterical attack. The main reason for the development of a seizure is some experience that led to a breakdown in the mechanisms of nervous activity. In persons with a tendency to hysteria, a seizure may develop at the slightest provocation. During a seizure, the following movements appear: patients tear their clothes, hair, knock their feet, fall to the floor and roll on it, bend over, cry. The most important thing is that the hysterical attack begins before everyone’s eyes. The attack is preceded by laughter or crying, which will never occur in a sleeping person. You will never have a seizure alone. Unlike an epileptic attack, here patients carefully fall to the floor so as not to be seriously injured. After a hysterical attack there will be no involuntary urination, tongue biting, or bruises. If a lot of people and sympathizers have gathered, then the attack of hysteria may drag on. But when other irritating factors (cold water, pain) appear, the patient quickly comes to his senses. These patients are characterized by the following character traits and behavioral characteristics:

  • Constant desire to be the center of attention
  • Egocentrism
  • Tearfulness and moodiness
  • Frequent mood swings
  • Theatricality and demonstrative behavior.

The disease has a chronic course with periodic exacerbations throughout life. Hysteria in children arises as a consequence of long-term psychological trauma, which infringes on his personality and rights (as the child himself believes). It has been noticed that this disease affects pampered children with weak will and immunity to criticism. Such children are not accustomed to any responsibilities around the house and do not understand the words “need” and “no.” But the words “give it quickly” and “I want it” are perceived very well. Children have contradictions between desires and real life. The first attack of hysteria in children can be found in infancy. The baby asks to be held by his mother, but she cannot take him. What do some children do? They begin to cry, scream, and may throw their head back and fall on the bed. As soon as you take the baby in your arms, he becomes silent and calms down. This is the first manifestation of a hysterical attack. Older children, when they refuse to buy a toy they like, begin to behave the same way in the store. The attack ends when the mother agrees to the child’s conditions.

Patients with symptoms of hysteria require consultation and treatment by a psychiatrist. But only after the examination. Treatment of hysteria requires mandatory assistance and relatives. Such a family member should be treated calmly, without unnecessary anxiety. First of all, it is necessary to establish the cause of the disease and eliminate it. They try to find the optimal solution to the problem and help them overcome it. Comprehensive treatment with medications and psychotherapy is carried out. Medicines used include vitamins, psychotropic and restorative drugs. Physiotherapeutic procedures include acupuncture and soothing massage. The impact on the psycho-emotional background is achieved through autogenic training, rational psychotherapy, the use of hypnosis and the method of suggestion. During psychotherapy, together with the patient, the doctor analyzes the causes that led to the disease. Hypnosis is considered the most effective treatment for hysteria. Occupational therapy also plays a certain role - it distracts the patient from worries, creates conditions for communication with other people and the team. How to help a child during an attack of hysteria? You can spray it with cold water, shake it, slap it. If the baby falls and convulsive twitching begins, it is advisable to lay him on a soft surface, hold his legs, arms and head a little so that there is no serious damage. In principle, helping adults is also not very different from helping children. You can only spank an adult on the cheeks, preferably by pressing on the earlobes. Depending on the severity of the disease, treatment will be outpatient or inpatient.

A hysterical attack is one of the forms of expression of psychoneurosis by a hysterical personality in situations that do not correspond to its requirements, desires, and ideas. This disorder is attributed to protest and provocation in order to attract attention and obtain personal gain. A hysterical attack often occurs in children and women. The occurrence of such an attack in a man is rather an exception.

Symptoms of a hysterical attack

This disorder is classified as a syndrome that can manifest itself in a wide variety of forms and resemble an epileptic seizure, stroke, and withdrawal syndrome.

Symptoms of the disease are accompanied by general trembling of the body, the onset of blindness, paralysis, and deafness, according to the patient.

Signs of a hysterical attack include complex, erratic movements, during which the sick person throws up their arms and legs, twists their elbows, tears their hair, clenches and grinds their teeth. Often people, leaning on the back of their heads and on their heels, bend unnaturally into an arc during an attack. Patients may cry, scream, repeat the same words.

During an attack, speech disorders and coordination problems are noted. Hiccups, vomiting, frequent urination, esophageal spasms, belching, and rapid heartbeat may occur.

During a disorder, the patient often falls, creating the impression of suddenness, but upon closer examination it becomes obvious that the fall is made in such a way as not to injure oneself: carefully and slowly. Then convulsive movements of the limbs are observed, which are characterized by a chaotic character and theatrical expressiveness. At the same time, the patient retains consciousness. There is no discharge from the mouth, the tongue is never bitten, breathing is even, no excessive sweating is noted, and a reaction to light is recorded. As a rule, there is no involuntary urination or defecation. The patient does not fall asleep after an attack and remembers everything.

The duration of a hysterical attack depends on the amount of attention paid to the patient. After the cessation of the disorder, a person can calmly continue his activities, which is impossible after an epileptic attack. Some patients, after the end of the attack, refer to unconsciousness and, during the development of hysterical stupor, deliberately give their faces a childish expression or stare their eyes.

After the final completion of this condition, patients experience the following disorders: contraction of the facial muscles (tic), tremor of the whole body. During sleep, all symptoms disappear.

Often, when this condition develops, people convince themselves that they are sick with some disease. This provokes the development, and patients turn to doctors with their far-fetched problem.

In addition, the patient, while in a state of attack, is capable of performing the most unexpected actions, for example, walking or running somewhere quickly.

Treatment of a hysterical attack

This state is preceded by an unpleasant, violent experience that develops during the daytime. This disorder is characterized by an indefinitely long course. An attack often causes confusion and panic among others, especially if it occurs for the first time. Therefore, if a disorder occurs, it is necessary to provide proper first aid, since prolonged nervous overstrain can lead to a heart attack or stroke (cerebrovascular accident). It is important to differentiate a hysterical seizure from an epileptic seizure, since these two conditions require different first aid measures.

First aid for a hysterical attack includes:

  • reassurance of others, those present should behave as if nothing terrible had happened;
  • transferring the patient to a quieter place;
  • removal of strangers from the premises;
  • creating a calm environment;
  • give the patient ammonia to smell;
  • stay at some distance from the patient and not pay much attention to him.

During a hysterical attack, it is not recommended to leave the sick person unattended, to hold him by the shoulders, arms, or head.