Hysterical neurosis belongs to the group of psychogenic functional diseases. A hallmark of hysteria is the occurrence of specific attacks - affective manifestations of the disease. Since ancient times, it has been believed that pathology is characteristic of women, who in this way subconsciously try to attract the attention of others. However, statistics say that all people are equally subject to the influence of hysteria.
In the onset of this disease, the type of personality is more important than ever. Extroverts, emotionally unrestrained, temperamental and suggestible people are at risk for the development of neurosis. Also, a role in the etiology is played by burdened heredity, severe somatic diseases, trauma, and a dysfunctional family. Often a seizure occurs after a stressful influence, for example, an experience at work or a conflict in the family. It has been proven that an attack almost never occurs suddenly and in the absence of "spectators". Subconsciously, the patient moves away from reality for his own personal gain.
The symptoms of the disease are rather nonspecific, since patients use all possible means to attract attention. They often dress brightly and behave defiantly, try to be in the center of the company, loudly talk about their achievements. At the same time, high spirits can be abruptly replaced by crying and irritability. Such mood swings are accompanied by a headache, interruptions in the work of the heart, and sometimes even loss of consciousness. There is a violation in the motor and sensory spheres - paresis and paralysis, impaired sensitivity. In this case, the muscles of the limbs are not affected, which allows us to speak of the reversibility of the condition. Because of the nonspecificity of symptoms outside the attack, hysteria is often masked by other illnesses. However, a seizure cannot be confused with anything else. When exposed to any, even minimal, stress factor, the patient falls to the floor, cries, bends, tears his hair and clothes, simulating cramps and pain. The attack never starts while sleeping or alone, and is necessarily preceded by vivid emotional reactions such as loud laughter or crying. Unlike an epileptic seizure, patients fall gently, not traumatically, gently going down the wall. When exposed to a strong stimulus (cry, cold, pain), the hysteria stops.
If you experience similar symptoms, and even more so, attacks, you should immediately consult a psychiatrist. In such cases, a comprehensive treatment is recommended, including drug correction of symptoms and psychotherapy. In the treatment of paralysis, sedatives, vitamins and restorative drugs are used. From the list of physiotherapeutic procedures, a soothing massage, acupuncture is recommended. In psychotherapy, elements of therapeutic sleep, suggestion, hypnosis are used. The prognosis for recovery and life is very favorable if treatment is started on time and the development of suicidal attempts, anorexia, or severe irreversible mental disorders is prevented.
