The sufferer attempts to manipulate his circumstances and those around him to his own advantage. Suicide attempts may be made and are usually arranged so as not to be successful.
These patients become attached to, and dependent on, their doctors. They may improve a little to encourage him, then relapse or develop new symptoms if he appears less interested or too casual.
Hysteria may occur with, and complicate, real physical or other emotional illnesses. This may be seen with accident cases which are subject to compensation, either from injury at work or on the road.
Some cases of shell shock in wartime were due to hysteria. The soldier may develop marked tremors or withdraw into a passive state, take to bed and require to be fed and washed, and may even lose control of the bladder and bowels.
Improvement occurs when he is removed from the active theatre of war and the symptoms recur if he is to be posted back to active duty.
*450/71/1*
