Is hysteria a dysfunction of brain function?

Generally, hysteria, now referred to as a dissociative or conversion disorder, although presenting symptoms similar to cerebral dysfunction, is not directly caused by organic brain lesions. Detailed analysis is as follows:

The symptoms of hysteria, such as emotional outbursts, limb paralysis, and amnesia, stem from psychosocial factors and individual susceptibility. During an episode, neurological examinations and imaging studies, such as CT and MRI, typically show no significant abnormalities, which fundamentally differentiates it from cerebral dysfunction caused by cerebrovascular disease, brain tumors, and other organic conditions.

The essence of hysterical symptoms is the manifestation of psychological conflicts in the form of physical or mental symptoms. For example, dissociative symptoms such as amnesia and identity dissociation occur when patients alter their state of consciousness to avoid unbearable emotions; conversion symptoms involve transforming psychological distress into physical dysfunction. The emergence of these symptoms is associated with dysregulation of higher nervous system activities, such as emotional regulation and cognitive control, but not caused by damage to nerve cells or imbalances in neurotransmitters.

Although hysteria does not fall under the traditional definition of cerebral dysfunction, it still significantly impacts patients' lives. Treatment should combine psychotherapeutic approaches, such as suggestion therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and medication, to help patients properly cope with stress and improve symptoms. Misdiagnosing hysteria as an organic disease and subjecting patients to excessive testing or treatment not only burdens the patient but may also delay recovery.