On constructing the disorder of hysteria.

Abstract

The concept of hysteria is traced from Hippocrates, where it was though to be caused by a wandering uterus, through Galen and up to Freud. Throughout the history of medicine from the early Greeks up to the end of the nineteenth century, the definition and diagnosis of hysteria had a function similar to that found in the persecution of witchcraft: it sought to eradicate the outbursts of nonconforming and emotionally threatening conduct of women. At the beginning of the twentieth century, however, the category virtually disappears from psychiatric nosologies.

• Authors: D B Allison, M S Roberts
• Journal: The Journal of medicine and philosophy (J Med Philos) Vol. 19 Issue 3 Pg. 239-59 (Jun 1994) ISSN: 0360-5310 [Print] United States
• PMID: 7964210 (Publication Type: Historical Article, Journal Article)

Topics

• Attitude to Health
• Female
• History, 19th Century
• History, 20th Century
• History, Ancient
• Humans
• Hysteria (classification, etiology, history, psychology)
• Male
• Sexual Behavior
• Stereotyping
• Women's Health