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ON THE PSYCHIC MECHANISM OF HYSTERICAL PHENOMENA
Sigmund Freud (1895)

Summary:
Gentlemen, I am writing to you today with the purpose of summarizing a joint work with Josef Breuer on the pathogenesis of
hysterical symptoms, the first part of which has been published in Zentralblatt für Neurologic
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Charcot, whom we consider a pivotal forerunner in the field, demonstrated the regularity and law behind hysteria, especially by
focusing on traumatic paralysis
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Charcot succeeded
in artificially reproducing paralysis in hysterical patients using hypnosis and suggestion
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However, we recognize that Charcot's analysis is limited to these
specific symptoms, without addressing how other hysterical symptoms are generated or how hysteria develops in the absence of
obvious trauma
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This work represents a step forward in our understanding of the complex
interaction between mind and body in the context of hysteria and opens new doors for future research in this fascinating and
enigmatic field
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Breuer on hysteria
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Breuer between 1880 and 1882, who developed severe and complex hysteria due to non-traumatic
events while caring for her ailing father
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After my return from studying with Charcot in 1886, together with Breuer, we began to observe and analyze a wide range of
hysterical patients
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Our main conclusion was that there is an analogy between traumatic and non-traumatic hysteria: in both cases, significant
emotional events command the nature of the symptoms
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Let me illustrate with examples how psychic trauma is linked to the onset of hysterical symptoms
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This episode related to the subsequent
contracture of the arm
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This symptom was traced
back to two occasions when he proposed to remain silent, but the fear of making noise manifested itself in the form of a tongue
click
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Sleep disorders also have their origin in past experiences
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Another patient had insomnia in November, which related to the
time she spent caring for her sick son at that time of year twelve years ago
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In addition, the
therapeutic process of acknowledging and confronting these traumas often results in the disappearance of symptoms
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These pathogenic memories occupy an exceptional position in the hysterical, resisting wear and tear
over time
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In one case, the traumas were
so intense that the nervous system could not process them properly, or social norms prevented an adequate reaction
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Our therapy seeks to allow the patient to react appropriately to these psychic traumas, often reliving them in a state of hypnosis
and completing the reaction that was not realized at the time
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However, we must bear in mind that this therapy only treats specific symptoms of hysteria and does not address its
deeper foundations, which often impose significant limits on the effectiveness of the treatment, as is also the case in neuroses
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Breuer on the pathogenesis of hysterical symptoms, drawing on
Charcot's pioneering studies
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He then mentions that his work delved into how psychological trauma can generate specific physical symptoms, such as
contractures and pains, in traumatic hysteria
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The aim of the work is to better understand hysteria and its manifestations, exploring how psychological processes influence
physical health and well-being
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After presenting examples illustrating the connection between psychic traumas and hysterical symptoms, he concludes that
hysterics suffer from incompletely processed psychic traumas, the memories of which hold a strong affect and remain alive
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However, he acknowledges that this therapy only treats specific symptoms of hysteria and does not address its deeper
underpinnings, which can limit its effectiveness, just as in neuroses
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Main Ideas:
- Study on the pathogenesis of hysterical symptoms based on the work of Charcot
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- Continuation of research showing how psychological trauma generates specific physical symptoms
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- Objective of deepening the understanding of hysteria and its relationship with psychological processes
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- Identification of two groups of conditions that contribute to the pathogenicity of certain memories
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- Recognition that therapy focuses on specific symptoms and does not address deeper aspects of hysteria

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