Hysteroneurasthenia
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Hysteroneurasthenia is a term commonly used in medical practice to describe the polymorphic presentations often observed in patients from the broad group of neuropaths or psychopaths known as 'constitutional neurasthenics,' 'asthenics,' or simply 'nervous' individuals. The article argues that this term creates confusion as it implies a combination of two disease forms, whereas these cases actually represent the polymorphism characteristic of most functional nervous disorders.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
Hysteroneurasthenia, a term often used in everyday medical practice to denote the polymorphic pictures frequently observed in patients from that broad group of neuropaths, resp. psychopaths, which is customarily called 'constitutional neurasthenics,' 'asthenics,' or even simply 'nervous' (Kraepelin's 'Nervositat'). These are usually cases where phenomena of heightened irritability (hyperesthesia) and irritability predominate, further complicated by the superimposition of numerous secondary 'hysterical' symptoms—resulting from the peculiar psychological development of an emotionally unstable and mentally weak personality. However, the assignment of the name Hysteroneurasthenia to these cases must be recognized as introducing considerable confusion into their understanding. The issue here is not about a combination of two disease forms, but rather about the polymorphism characteristic of most functional nervous diseases and the structural complexity of the corresponding syndromes. (See also Hysteria, Neurasthenia.)
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Cite this page
“Hysteroneurasthenia.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/hysteroneurasthenia/