[The phenomenology of hysterical personality disorder]

Phenomena that are observable in the "classic" hysterical personality disorder are named, described and classified according to the basic functions of human experience and behavior. In this way, a psychopathological picture of the hysterical personality arises, which can facilitate the sometimes difficult task of diagnosis and differential diagnosis. It is shown that the phenomenon of dissociation is one essential characteristic of this disorder. The dissociation of the mental processes is demonstrated for the various basic functions. It implies a dissociation of contents and of parts of personality on the axis conscious-preconscious/unconscious. The dissociation ultimately becomes a prerequisite for living these not permitted and not integrated parts of personality in a partial and compromising way.