A Family Study of Hysteria

Abstract

ONE of us (S.B.G.) has been pursuing a series of studies to clarify the diagnostic features of hysteria and to learn more about its natural history.^{1 2 3} We use the term hysteria to designate the syndrome described by Briquet,⁴ Savill⁵ and Purtell et al.⁶ The following are the major features of this disorder: it starts early in life; it occurs primarily, if not exclusively, in women; and it is characterized by recurrent symptoms in many different organ systems. The history is described dramatically and includes recurrent and varied pains, menstrual difficulties, sexual maladjustment, headaches, anxiety symptoms, conversion symptoms and repeated hospital . . .