The hysterical personality disorder: a proposed clarification of a diagnostic dilemma.

This paper reviews the marked confusion surrounding the diagnosis of the hysterical personality disorder, which has resulted from the use of vague and at times contradictory criteria in making this diagnosis. It is recommended that the diagnosis be based exclusively on psychodynamic characteristics, and a specific psychodynamic formulation is offered for this disorder. The formulation is examined from the perspectives of genetic development, drive organization, and ego and superego organization.