It is unknown to many that first aid is not just applicable for physical wounds and emergencies, but can also be applied to psychological disorders, such as hysteria. Hysteria is typically described as uncontrollable actions and emotions. It is actually a mental disorder which results to physical manifestations. This is often due to overpowering fear from the past or intense anxiety. It may also be from repressed conflicts within a person. Hysteria often causes rash and imbalanced thoughts, which are usually depressing, and may last for days or weeks. If not acted upon, hysterics may take severe steps.
Although this psychological disorder may appear in both men and women, it is more common in young females between 14 and 25 years old. It is said to be more common in this specific age group due to the quick changes in hormones as a result of menarche at this child bearing stage. Hysteric outbursts are not uncommon and should be given first aid treatment.
Disclaimer: This article is not meant for diagnosis and treatment. If one is consistently having bouts of hysteria attacks, seek medical advice. Moreover, to learn proper management, join in first aid courses offered all throughout the country.
Causes of Hysteria
Hysteria can be genetic, thus it can be more common in one family. But the most common causes of hysteria include:
- Emotional situations which can consist of mental strain, stress, fear, worry, trauma, etc.
- Sexual repression, perverted thoughts and idleness
- Psychological disorders, such as personality disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, etc.
- Brain disorders
- Dementia
- Acute mania
- Depression
- Alcoholism
- Drugs
Signs and Symptoms of Hysteria
Signs and symptoms of hysteria are quite obvious. Some of the general signs and symptoms include:
- Loud, painful cries
- Heaviness in the limbs accompanied by severe cramps
- Abdominal tightening
- Chest tightening
- Mild heart palpitations
- Swollen neck
- Feeling of foreign object in the throat
- Hyperventilation
- Muscle spasms, especially in hands and wrists
- Sighing continuously
- Headache
- Clenched teeth
- Suffocations
- In severe cases:
- Loss of consciousness
- Hugely swollen neck with prominent veins
- Intense heart palpitations
- Convulsions
- Aggressive behavior
- Emotional instability, such as weak will and craving for love and sympathy
First Aid Management for Hysteria
When one is experiencing a hysteria attack, it is necessary to stay that 
the people around him/ her stay calm at all times and avoid any sort of panic. This could, otherwise, cause other people as well to panic and thus, should be avoided.
- Identify the cause of the hysteria and remove the stimulant, if possible.
- Speak to the person quietly but with firmness. Do not raise voice.
- If there is an audience, move the person away from the crowd to avoid aggravating hysteria.
- Encourage the person to focus on inhaling and exhaling. If the person is suffering from hyperventilation, hand over a paper bag and advise to breathe inside.
- Do not leave the person alone until there is full recovery.
- If there is any injury from the bout of hysteria, treat accordingly.