Phenomenological study of 'hysterical neurosis' in Lower Assam

Background: An investigation of ‘hysteria’ involves a close study of the human being, both from somatic and psychological perspectives, and often reveals the intimate relationship they bear to each other. Material and methods: The sample of the present study consisted of 80 consecutive cases of hysteria attending the outpatient and inpatient department of psychiatry of Gauhati Medical College Hospital from Lower Assam area since 1st April, 1988 onwards. Diagnosis of ‘hysterical neurosis’ was made according to the ninth revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, code 300.1. Results: The phenomenology of hysteria studied in this sample showed that monosymptomatic hysteria was rare. The most common symptom was 'fits' (episodic loss of consciousness only) to be followed by convulsive movement of the entire body. Except the fits, no other symptoms of dissociative disorder like fugue, somnambulism, multiple personality etc. could be found. Female outnumbered the male patients but male representation in hysteria was increasing. High occurrence was seen in the age group of 16-20 years. Only 19 (23.75%) patients were from urban area and 61 (76.25%) patients were from rural area. However nuclear families were found to be more from rural area than the urban area. Conclusion: Hysteria is still with us. Our patients still tend to exhibit gross symptom and it may yet some time before we see a change. Although hysteria is still found to be more in females, male representation has increased significantly and this increasing trend is quite prominent.