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Hysteria, or conversion disorder, is characterized by a major change in physical functioning that can't be explained by a physiological cause. The symptoms aren't fake or intentionally produced, and generally appear suddenly in stressful situations. Many experts view hysteria as a natural protective mechanism that allows a person to temporarily escape anxiety-producing or life-threatening situations. For example, a person may develop amnesia following a traumatic event that they want to forget. Symptoms of hysteria often include paralysis, epilepsy, problems of coordination, blindness, tunnel vision, deafness, or the loss of feeling in a limb. Symptoms may also involve the automatic nervous system, as in vomiting or 'false pregnancy', which is characterized by suspension of menstruation, nausea, and abdominal pains. However, the symptoms of hysteria typically don't match the medical conditions they suggest. For example, unlike true epileptic patients, conversion epileptics may retain control over their bladders during an attack. In addition, the symptoms of hysteria are hard to diagnose since the sufferer is convinced the problem is physical and not emotional. A physician may require the individual to undergo several tests to rule out the possibility of a physical illness. Ultimately, psychotherapy is generally recommended to determine the underlying cause of the illness. For more information about hysteria, consult a health care professional.
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