Die historische Entwicklung psychischer Krankheitsdeutungen

Am Beispiel der Hysterie

Bachelorarbeit aus dem Jahr 2008 im Fachbereich Medizin - Geschichte, Note: 2,0, Europa-Universität Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder) (Kulturwissenschaften), Veranstaltung: Medizingeschichte, Sprache: Deutsch, Abstract: The paper presents historical milestones focusing on conceptions of hysteria from the perspective of medical history. While the term 'hysteria' has been used for over 2.000 years, its definition as a psychological disorder that alter motor or sensory functions with no organic cause, just developed in late 19th century. In fact hysterical disorders where traditionally connected to medical conditions, thought to be particular to women. The term originates in ancient Greek medicine. Primary appearing in Hippocrates' Early Medical Concept hysteria was referring to an inhomogeneous group of symptoms, though to be caused from the wandering womb. This concept was applied and modified over the centuries, while the definitions have become broader and more diffuse over time. Followed up by demonological explanations in the Middle age, in which scientific approaches for mental illnesses rarely used. In Renaissance and Enlightenment hysteria became again connected to women. By no mean the relationship of hysteria and woman kept vibrant until late 19th century. As a result the term was excluded as a medical and psychiatric diagnosis and splintered into different diagnoses. The paper wants to bring the reader across the development in witch the psychological perspective of hysterical disorders got acknowledged in medical history. Keywords: hysteria, womb, medical history, psychological perspective, diagnosis