A study of superimposition of hysteria upon epilepsy.

The superimposition of hysteria upon epilepsy was seen in 23 patients out of a group of 758 epileptic outpatients (3.03%). Secondary generalized epilepsy showed the highest prevalence (10.14%). Hysterical fits were seen in 15 patients. Seven patients showed hysterical twilight states. As for the other long-persisting features, the disturbances of motility, ataxias and paralyses without any organic basis were seen in seven patients and hysterical pseudodementia was found in one patient. As provocative factors, a variety of psychological problems was seen in 14 patients and hysterical personalities preexisted in eight patients. In a longitudinal study, the hysterical symptoms were transient in nine patients but they persisted for a long time or superimposed upon epilepsy repetitively in 14 patients.