[Hysteria, dissociation and conversion. A review of concepts, classification and diagnostic instruments]

Modern theories on hysteria are presented by describing the historical context of various scientific approach to hysterical phenomena as well as the concepts of dissociation and conversion which are closely linked. The subdivision of the classical hysterical neurosis into the dissociative disorders and the somatoform disorders within the diagnostic classifications of ICD-10 and DSM-III-R respectively DSM-IV is illustrated and discussed. These new theories have prompted the development of some instruments such as diagnostic interviews (SCID-D) and self-measuring questionnaires (DES). The scientific value and importance of these instruments is discussed, especially with regard to further studies on dissociative disorders, particularly in the German-speaking countries.