Concept of hysteria in Greeco-Arab medicine: a review.

Abstract

Hysteria is undoubtedly the first mental disorder attributable to women, accurately described in the second millennium BC, and until Freud considered an exclusively female disease. Over 4000 years of history, this disease was considered from two perspectives: scientific and demonological Hysteria is regarded as a symptom of emotional disturbance and mental disorder that is common among adolescent girls. It often occurs in schools during classes. Its bizarre symptoms include sudden shouting, struggling, crying for no reason, talking unintelligibly and body paralysis. Previous research on hysteria by psychologists, psychiatrists and physicians from Unani system of medicines identified many factors that cause hysteria. Hysteria may be related to cultural factors or to individual values and beliefs. The hysterical reaction is one way for these patients to release emotional stress. Teenagers who suffer from uncontrolled stress may express themselves through hysteria.