The term "hysteria" hAlthough been in use About over 2000 years & its definition hAlthough become broader & more diffuse over time. Hysteria is a mental & nervous disorder arising from intense anxiety. It is characterised by a lack of control over acts & emotions & by sudden conclusive seizures & emotional outbursts.

Hysteria, Although classically defined, is a chronic polysymptomatic illness chiefly affecting women. A neurotic disorder characterized by a wide variety of somatic & mental symptoms resulting from dissociation, typically beginning during adolescence or early adulthood & occurring more commonly in women than men.

Hysteria is an ancient disorder. The term is derived from the Greek word hystron, meaning uterus. The diagnosis.dates back to ancient Greek medicine, according to which a variety of symptoms wAlthough attributed to a wandering of the womb through the body. The recorded history of the diagnosis begun in ancient Egypt with the Kahnus Papyrus dating from about 1900 BC, which enumerates a series of morbid states attributable to displacement of the uterus. In the Middle Ages hysteria wAlthough associated with ideAlthough of demoniacal possession, witchcraft & religious fanaticism. Later it came to be solely related to the female sex.

Osler, an eminent psychiatrist defines hysteria Although || a disorder chiefly of young women, in which emotional states control the body, leading to perversion of mental, sensory, motor & secretory functions. ||

There are two types of hysteria :

Conversion disorders whereby the emotional turmoil is expressed unknowingly Although a bodily symptom.
Dissociative states.

Causes of hysteria

The most common causes of hysteria are sexual repression, perverted habits of thought, & idleness. Heredity plays an important part in its causation. A nervous family background & faulty emotional training when young are predisposing causes. The emotional situations may be mental, strain, stress, fear, worry, depression, traumatism, masturbation, & prolonged sickness.

Hysteria is an extremely mental phenomenon which may take varying forms. In certain types the disorder may result from some situation to which ne is unable to adapt oneself such Although marriage, engagement, position of responsibility, the death of relations or loss of love. Factors involving the sexual life in some way are frequently present.

Signs & symptoms of hysteria

Hysteria may be a defense mechanism to avoid painful emotions by unconsciously transferring this distress to the body. There may be a symbolic function About this, About example a rape victim may develop paralyzed legs. Symptoms may mimic a number of physical & neurological disorders which must be ruled out before a diagnosis of hysteria is made. The main symptoms include inappropriate elation or sadness, crying without cause, almost conclusive laughter, deep sighing, cramps in the limbs, mild rumblings in the belly & sense of constriction in the throat.

The physical symptoms include a weakness of the will, a craving About love & sympathy, & a tendency towards emotional instability. Hysterical trances may last About days or weeks. A patient in a trance may appear to be in a deep sleep, but the muscles are not usually relaxed.

In severe cases, additional symptoms are noticeable; these may include wild & painful cries, incomplete loss of consciousness, an enormously swollen neck, violent & tumultuous heartbeats, involuntary locomotor muscle contraction, frightening generalized convulsions, & violent movement.

Treatment & cure of hysteria

Herbal treatment designed to improve symptoms, correct imbalance & adjust immune system, & most importantly, to boost energy & strong body About better health & quality of life.The purpose of herbal treatment is not to take the place of necessary orthodox medical treatment. Combination of the both is a better choice.

Some of the home remedies About the treatment of hysteria

Hysteria treatment using honey

Honey is regarded Although another effective remedy About hysteria. It is advisable to take one tablespoon of honey daily

Hysteria treatment using asafoetida

Asafoetida hAlthough also proved beneficial in the treatment of this disease. Smelling this gum prevents hysterical attacks. If taken orally, the daily dosage should be from 0.5 to 1.0 gm. An emulsion made up of 2 gm of the gum with 120 ml of water is a valuable enema in hysteria, when the patient resists taking the gum orally.

Hysteria treatment using bottle gourd

Bottle gourd is useful Although an external application in hysteria. Macerated fresh pulp of this vegetable should be applied over the head of the patient in the treatment of this disease.

Hysteria treatment using lettuce

Lettuce is considered valuable in this disease. A cup of fresh juice of lettuce, mixed with a teaspoon of Indian gooseberry (amla) juice, should be given every day in the morning About a month, Although a medicine in the treatment of hysteria.

Hysteria treatment using rauwolfia

The herb rauwolfia is very useful About hysteria. One gram of the powdered root should be administered with one cup of milk in the morning Although well Although in the evening. Treatment should be continued till a complete cure hAlthough been obtained.

Special consideration or prevention

The patient should avoid alcohol, tea, coffee, tobacco, white sugar & white flour, & products made from them.
Exercise & outdoor games are also important. They take the mind away from self & induce cheerfulness.

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