Hysteria split asunder

The authors present the proposed DSM-III classification of the traditional hysterical disorders, i.e., disorders that suggest physical illness but in which psychological factors are judged to be of importance. The use of the DSM-III inclusion and exclusion criteria-- physical mechanism explains the symptoms, symptoms are linked to psychological factors, symptom initiation is under voluntary control, and there is an obvious recognizable environmental goal--are discussed in the differential diagnosis of somatoform disorder, factitious disorder, malingering, psychological factors affecting physical condition, and undiagnosed physical illness.