HYSTERICAL BREAST Meaning and
Definition
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Hysterical breast is a term used to describe a historical medical condition that was believed to affect primarily women. The concept of hysterical breast emerged in the 19th century when physicians and scholars proposed that there existed a psychological or emotional component to certain breast-related symptoms. It was assumed that women who experienced various unexplained breast discomfort or pain had somatic manifestations caused by repressed emotions or psychological distress.
The term "hysterical" is derived from the Greek word "hystera," meaning uterus, which reflects the historical belief that the uterus played a prominent role in women's emotional and physical health. The concept of hysteria was widely prevalent during that time, attributing various physical and psychological symptoms to disruptions or imbalances in the uterus.
Hysterical breast was thought to be characterized by symptoms such as tenderness, swelling, pain, and lumps in the breasts, typically without any identifiable organic cause. Physicians believed that these symptoms were not solely related to physiological conditions but were influenced by emotional factors and anxious or disturbed mental states.
During the era when the concept of hysterical breast was prevalent, treatment options varied. Methods such as massage, electrical stimulation, and sedatives were commonly prescribed to alleviate the symptoms. However, the understanding and medical approach to breast conditions have since progressed, and the term "hysterical breast" is now considered outdated and no longer used in contemporary medical practice.
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A painful swelling of the mamma, due to no definite or permanent lesion.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HYSTERICAL BREAST
- hysterical breasd
- hysterical breasp
- hysterical breasv
- hysterical breasu
- h ysterical breast
- hy sterical breast
- hys terical breast
- hyst erical breast
- hyste rical breast
- hyster ical breast
- hysteri cal breast
- hysteric al breast
- hysterica l breast
- hysterical b reast
- hysterical br east
- hysterical bre ast
- hysterical brea st
- hysterical breas t
Etymology of HYSTERICAL BREAST
The term "hysterical breast" does not have a commonly known etymology because it is not a recognized medical or scientific term. It seems to be a combination of two words: "hysterical" and "breast". Here's a brief explanation of each term:
1. Hysterical: The word "hysterical" originates from the Greek word "hystera", meaning womb. In ancient times, it was believed that certain emotional or psychological disturbances were caused by a dysfunction of the uterus. This belief, known as the "wandering womb theory", persisted into the Middle Ages and beyond. Over time, the term "hysteria" evolved to describe a range of psychological or emotional conditions, with or without any connection to the uterus. Today, the term is considered outdated and is no longer used in medical diagnosis.
