Hysteria Treatment

Hysteria is curable in nearly all cases. Since the causes of hysteria are both physical and mental, treatment should be directed toward both the body and the mind. Regard for one’s physical welfare is of primary importance. A healthy, well-functioning body is best able to keep the reasoning mind in control of the total organism.

The measures on the physical side should include a well-ordered hygienic mode of living, a nutritious and bland diet, adequate mental and physical rest, daily exercise, agreeable, occupation, fresh air, regular hours of eating and sleeping, regulation of the bowels and wholesome companionship with others.

On the mental plane, the patient should be taught self-control and educated in positive thinking.

In most cases of hysteria, it is desirable for the patient to start treatment by adopting an all-fruit diet for several days including oranges, apples, grapes, grapefruit, papaya and pineapple during this period. The all-fruit diet should be followed by an exclusive milk diet for about a month.

Most hysteria patients are considerably run down and the milk diet will help build better blood and nourish the nerves. If the full milk diet is not convenient, a diet of milk and fruits may be adopted. The patient may gradually embark upon a well-balanced diet of seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables and fruits. The patient should avoid alcohol, tea, coffee, tobacco, white sugar and white flour and products made from them.

Honey is an effective remedy for hysteria. Two of the main causes of hysteria are an irregularity of the menstrual cycle and insanity. Honey is invaluable for both these conditions. It causes good bleeding during the cycle, cleans the uterus, tones up the brain and the uterine musculature and keeps the body temperature at a normal level. It is advisable to use honey regularly and increase the quantity after the first start. It will bring down body temperature thus preventing further fits.

Exercise and outdoor games, fresh air, and sunbaths are important in the prevention and cure of hysteria. 

In a case of hysterical fit, the clothing of the patient should be loosened and head lowered by laying the person flat in an erect position for sometimes after the fit. They should be slapped gently in the face and mustard plasters applied to the soles of the feet and the wrists. In ordinary cases no further treatment is necessary and the symptoms will soon pass or cease if the patient is left alone.

In a genuine hysterical attack, the most effective means of interrupting the paroxysm is the application of cold water in some form to the head and spine. Either the cold water may be poured or cold pack or ice pack may be applied to the hand and back of the neck. If this cannot be done, cold water may be splashed on the face. The patient should be provided with plenty of fresh air and some of the clothing should be removed to facilitate easy breathing and to expose the skin to fresh air.

In a violent seizure pressure on the ovaries often checks the attack. The patient should be made to lie on the back and the first forcibly pressed into the iliac region. As soon as possible, a neutral immersion bath at 98oF may be given and continued until the excited condition subsides. If this is not convenient, a hot foot bath with cold applications to the head may be used instead. Following an attack, the patient should have rest, quietness, darkness and if possible, sleep until the lost energy has been gradually recovered.