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A Neurobiological Theory

Arnold M. Ludwig, MD

Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1972;27(6):771-777.

Abstract
Although hysteria is one of the oldest psychiatric disorders, little is known about its underlying mechanisms of action. If the enigma of this disorder is to be unraveled, then what is needed is a biologically based theoretical model which permits theory-related predictions capable of scientific validation.

This theoretical model regards hysteria essentially as a dysfunction of attention and recent memory due to increased corticofugal inhibition of afferent stimulation. Hypochondria, representing the counterpart of hysteria, is presumed to be related to decreased corticofugal inhibition of afferent stimulation.

On the basis of these theoretical speculations and other evidence, a research paradigm is offered which permits scientific investigation into the specific nature of this disorder.

Author Affiliations
Lexington, Ky

From the Department of Psychiatry, University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington, Ky 40506.

Footnotes
Accepted for publication Aug 21, 1972.

Reprint requests to the Department of Psychiatry, University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington, Ky 40506 (Dr. Ludwig).

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