Do patients with hysteria acknowledge that they are ill?

Nov 24, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

If a patient with hysteria is in the acute phase—such as experiencing confusion, identity disturbance, or severe physical symptoms (e.g., inability to move limbs)—they typically lack insight into their condition and are unable to recognize the abnormality of their symptoms. They may firmly believe their physical discomfort is due to organic problems, and thus usually deny having a psychological disorder and may resist related psychological interventions.

Generally, whether patients with hysteria acknowledge having a psychological cause varies from person to person. Those with insight may admit it, while those lacking insight during symptom episodes may not. If in doubt, it is recommended to seek medical consultation early. Specific analysis is as follows:

If a patient with hysteria is in the remission phase, or if symptoms are primarily characterized by emotional fluctuations and mild physical discomfort, and they have clear awareness of their condition and can recognize that their abnormal behaviors are related to psychological factors, they may acknowledge their illness, willingly seek medical help, and cooperate with doctors for assessment and intervention.

If a patient with hysteria is experiencing an acute episode—such as confusion, identity disturbance, or severe physical symptoms (e.g., inability to move limbs)—they often lack insight into their condition. They may fail to recognize the abnormality of their symptoms and firmly believe their discomfort stems from organic disease. In such cases, they typically do not acknowledge having a mental health condition and may resist psychological interventions.

When dealing with patients with hysteria, avoid pressuring them to admit their illness; instead, offer understanding and patience. If hysteria is suspected, promptly bring them to a qualified medical institution for evaluation. During treatment, cooperate with healthcare providers by sharing information about the patient’s daily behaviors to assist in developing an appropriate intervention plan.

View All

Does whooping cough still require medication if there is still an occasional cough at night?

If pertussis has entered the recovery phase, and the patient has completed a full course of standardized treatment, with daytime coughing nearly resolved and only occasional mild coughing at night—without other symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath, or vomiting—medication may generally be discontinued after medical evaluation. At this stage, the mild cough is usually a normal response during the healing process of the respiratory mucosa, and the body can gradually recover on its own without continued reliance on medication.

View Full Answer

Can people with bronchitis and cough eat eggs?

In general, patients with tracheitis and cough can usually consume eggs if they are not allergic to them; however, those with a history of egg allergy must absolutely avoid eggs. During tracheitis with cough, the diet should be light and nutritionally balanced, and drinking plenty of warm water helps keep the throat moist. It is also important to ensure indoor ventilation, avoid exposure to irritants such as dust and smoke, reduce coughing episodes, and promote recovery.