A Case of Hysteria, With a Note on Biology

Abstract

Psychoanalysis recently has shown interest in the data of neurobiology. This interest has been fostered by the realization that a model of Cartesian mind-body dualism is inadequate to current observation and knowledge. Despite the theoretical appeal of integrating knowledge from the two fields, there have been few attempts at correlation in specific clinical situations. This paper presents a case of hysteria in which the physical manifestations of hyperprolactinemia, galactorrhea, amenorrhea, and infertility are considered in relation to both the brain regulation of prolactin and to unconscious fantasy, motivation, and conflict. Some of the intriguing possibilities and limitations of research at the frontier of psychoanalysis and neurophysiology are discussed.