hysteria

a type of NEUROSIS that is difficult to define and in which a range of symptoms may occur. These include PARALYSIS , seizures and spasms of limbs, swelling of JOINTS , mental disorders and AMNESIA . The person is vulnerable to suggestion. Two types are recognized: conversion hysteria, which is characterized by physical symptoms; and dissociative hysteria, in which marked mental changes occur. Mass hysteria affects a group, especially those gathered together under conditions of emotional excitement. A number of people may suffer from giddiness, vomiting and fainting, which run through the whole crowd. Recovery occurs when those affected are separated from the others under calmer conditions. Treatment for hysteria is by means of PSYCHOTHERAPY , especially involving suggestion.