The first mental disorder ascribed to women, and for which we find sufficient description since the ancient period, is probably hysteria. The term hysteria came from the Greek word hystera, meaning uterus or womb. The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates was one of the first to identify this disorder. In ancient Greece it was believed that a wandering and discontented uterus caused that dreaded female ailment of excessive emotion, hysteria.

The migration of the uterus throughout the body triggered various maladies and disorders such as anxiety, sense of suffocation, tremors, sometimes even convulsions and paralysis. Such movement of the womb was attributed to dryness of the womb due to which it migrated in search of moisture. It was thought to be common among virgins, widows, single or sterile women. Various treatment methods were applied including fumigating the genitals with sweet smelling substances in an attempt to attract the uterus back to place. However, the ultimate treatment suggested was sex and pregnancy.

Till the 17th century hysteria remained a feminine disease associated with physical body only. But years later, sufficient evidence accumulated that hysteria was not only confined to women but men too, and it was located in the mind rather than the body.

The scientific study about hysteria began during the time of Sigmund Freud and his professor Jean Charcot. They used hypnosis technique, a temporary state of heightened relaxation and suggestibility.

It was during this period Freud developed the “psychoanalysis theory” bringing revolution in psychology. He then termed hysteria as a “conversion disorder”.

Today hysteria or conversion disorder is defined as a condition in which people show psychological stress in physical ways. The signs and symptoms appear with no underlying physical cause. Conversion syndrome begins with some stress or trauma or psychological distress that manifests as physical symptoms.

Usually the physical symptoms of the syndrome affect the senses and movement. Common symptoms include blindness, partial or total paralysis, inability to speak, deafness, numbness, difficulty swallowing, incontinence, balance problems, seizures, tremors and difficulty walking.

Conversion disorder may improve when one gets treatment for stress and anxiety.