Studies in Hysteria

Abstract

This paper describes how the idea of substituting “Briquet Syndrome” for “Hysteria” developed. It emphasizes the need to base the diagnosis firmly on clinical features and also the value of differentiating “polysymptomatic” forms (Briquet Syndrome) from “conversion” symptoms (unexplained neurological symptoms). Other studies have shown that there is a preponderance of Briquet's Syndrome in women, and that female relatives of patients have an increased prevalence of Briquet's Syndrome, while male relatives have an increased prevalence of antisocial personality and of alcoholism. Conversely, a study of female relatives of a male prison population reveals a high prevalence of Briquet's Syndrome amongst them. It is suggested that the association between Briquet's Syndrome and antisocial personality may explain many clinical and epidemiologic observations.