ABSTRACT
Over a century ago psychoanalysis was founded on Freud’s analysis of his hysterical patients. Yet the passing of time has not enhanced our understanding of hysteria. On the contrary, Freud’s basic conceptualization of hysteria has lost its momentum and has acquired different foci in the relatively small number of works written on the subject in recent decades. Hysteria now occupies a marginal position in psychoanalytic theory and clinical applications. However, a recent renewal of interest within and outside of psychoanalysis indicates that hysteria is still a viable concept.
