The Classification of Hysteria and Related Disorders: Historical and Phenomenological Considerations

Abstract

This article examines the history of the conceptualization of dissociative, conversion, and somatoform syndromes in relation to one another, chronicles efforts to classify these and other phenomenologically-related psychopathology in the American diagnostic system for mental disorders, and traces the subsequent divergence in opinions of dissenting sectors on classification of these disorders. This article then considers the extensive phenomenological overlap across these disorders in empirical research, and from this foundation presents a new model for the conceptualization of these disorders. The classification of disorders formerly known as hysteria and phenomenologically-related syndromes has long been contentious and unsettled. Examination of the long history of the conceptual difficulties, which remain inherent in existing classification schemes for these disorders, can help to address the continuing controversy. This review clarifies the need for a major conceptual revision of the current classification of these disorders. A new phenomenologically-based classification scheme for these disorders is proposed that is more compatible with the agnostic and atheoretical approach to diagnosis of mental disorders used by the current classification system.

Anthrax Exposure, Belief in Exposure, and Postanthrax Symptoms Among Survivors of a Bioterrorist Attack on Capitol Hill

“…People with medically unexplained symptoms have been observed to report symptoms in patterns that seem logical to their concept of illness. 20 In the case of anthrax, the association of ENT symptoms with belief in exposure may be related to the participants' understanding of inhalation anthrax, the deadliest form of anthrax. Similarly, the association of MSK symptoms with belief in exposure may be related to individuals' knowledge that MSK symptoms are part of the prodromal phase of anthrax infection.…”

Advances in Psychiatric Diagnosis: Past, Present, and Future

“…As described in the article by North, entitled “The Classification of Hysteria and Related Disorders: Historical and Phenomenological Considerations” [8], disagreement continues to surround the conceptual origins and classification of these disorders. Even the names of these disorders have generated heated debate.…”

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