Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 26, 2026

The Trier Social Stress Test Protocol for Inducing Psychological Stress
Published on: October 19, 2011
Top ten stressors in the hysterical subjects of Peshawar
1Government Mental Hospital, Dadar NWFP, Pakistan. badar@ayubmed.edu.pk
Background:
Hysteria develops as a reaction to emotional stress or conflict in presence of a series of environmental, biological and personal vulnerability factors or as a part of the current life situation. This study was carried out to determine the top ten stressors in the hysterical subjects of Peshawar.
Methods:
This study was carried out at Psychiatry department of Khyber teaching Hospital Peshawar Pakistan from January to December 1996. Fifty hysterical subjects satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected by convenience sampling. They were interviewed and results were analysed from the entries in a proforma.
Results:
Stressors were clearly identified in 45 (90%) subjects while in 5 (10%) subjects there were none. The top ten stressors in our population in order of frequency of subjects were disturbed relations with inlaws (18%), 'engagement/marriage against wishes' (14%), 'disturbed relations with spouse' (12%), 'husband abroad' (10%), 'conflict with parents' (8%), 'conflict at work' (8%), 'failure in exam/study problem' (6%), 'love problems' (6%), 'death of spouse' (4%), 'threat to life (4%).
Conclusions:
We concluded that stressors were present and identifiable in most of Peshawar hysterics. The pattern of stressors in our subjects was unique to our population and most of these stressors were easily treatable.
Related Concept Videos
Types of Stressors
Catastrophes
Catastrophes refer to large-scale, unpredictable events that create overwhelming stress and a sense of threat. Examples include natural disasters like...
Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle
Psychological Responses to Stress
Panic Disorder
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events, are a...
Disorders of the Female Reproductive System
