[From hysteria to nervousness. Comments on Willy Hellpach's sociopathologic prognoses for the 20th century]

The very rich, extensive, and complex work of the psychologist, doctor of medicine, and politician Willy Hellpach (1877-1955) is largely forgotten today. Our article sheds light upon his contribution to the nosology of neuroses, which emphasizes the impact of history, society, and culture on the neurotic syndromes. Hellpach states that during the process of civilisation hysteria is more and more replaced by nervousness. In contemporary nosology this hypothesis leads to the discussion how the relationship of neuroses with depressive symptomatology on the one hand and neuroses with panic attacks and phobia on the other should be conceptualised.