[Dissociative hysteria].

Under the term of dissociative hysteria are described a set of clinical syndromes characterized by behavioral disorders and psychic activity anomalies. The nature of the symptoms seems very similar to hysterical conversion. Psychogenic amnesia, psychogenic fugues and multiple personality disorder are described. There is some evidence that the symptoms are related to psychic affective traumatisms and no physiological alteration. Two mechanisms are proposed: dissociation of personality and amnesia. Clinical course generally improves spontaneously. Various forms of psychotherapy may be used.