Hysterical behaviour in patriarchal communities. Four cases, one with Ganser-like symptoms.

The aspirations, mores, and family structure in Cypriot immigrants, which are illustrated in four cases of hysterical behaviour, have many similarities to nineteenth century Viennese society. Such behaviour may mask more sinister diagnoses; one of the cases remains diagnostically uncertain and another passed through a transient hysterical psychosis with Ganser-like symptoms. The cultural, dynamic, and nosological issues are discussed.