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Therapeutic function of diagnostic label 'hysteria'
The British Journal of Medical Psychology
|March 1, 1984
Summary
Hysteria symptoms may resolve when patients embrace the "hysteric" role, suggesting a therapeutic function for the diagnostic label. This challenges the view of hysteria as mere malingering.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
Background:
- Hysteria is often misconstrued as deliberate malingering, a view considered naive from a formal psychiatric perspective.
- The diagnostic label of hysteria carries complex connotations regarding patient behavior and intent.
Observation:
- Two case histories of hysterical in-patients are presented.
- A paradox was observed: hysterical symptoms diminished when patients adopted the 'hysteric' role.
Findings:
- The study explores the meaning and therapeutic potential of the diagnostic label 'hysteria'.
- It investigates the possibility of transforming a 'hysteric' into a 'malingerer' through therapeutic intervention.
Implications:
- The diagnostic label 'hysteria' may possess an inherent therapeutic function beyond mere communication.
- Re-evaluating the label 'hysteria' is recommended to understand its role in treatment and patient dynamics.