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Hysteria: The Disturbing History of Zhongxian Wu

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A Photograph Of Zhongxian Wu, A Chinese Woman Who Was Diagnosed With Hysteria In The Early 20th Century. Hysteria: The Disturbing History Zhongxian Wu

Hysteria, a mental disorder characterized by a range of physical and emotional symptoms, has a long and disturbing history. One of the most famous cases of hysteria is that of Zhongxian Wu, a Chinese woman who was diagnosed with the disorder in the early 20th century. Wu's case is particularly noteworthy because it sheds light on the ways in which hysteria has been used to control and oppress women.

Hysteria: The disturbing history

by Zhongxian Wu

4.5 out of 5

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Zhongxian Wu: A Case of Hysteria

Zhongxian Wu was born in China in 1897. She was a bright and intelligent child, but she began to experience strange symptoms in her early teens. These symptoms included seizures, fainting spells, and hallucinations. Wu's family took her to see a doctor, who diagnosed her with hysteria.

At the time, hysteria was considered to be a female disorder. It was believed to be caused by a wandering uterus, which could travel throughout the body and cause a variety of symptoms. Treatment for hysteria typically involved rest, isolation, and the use of sedatives.

Wu was subjected to a variety of treatments for her hysteria. She was given opium and other sedatives, and she was also placed in a darkened room for weeks at a time. These treatments did not improve her condition, and she eventually became bedridden.

In 1920, Wu's case was brought to the attention of Dr. Henry G. Goddard, an American psychologist who was working in China. Goddard was skeptical of the diagnosis of hysteria, and he believed that Wu's symptoms were more likely due to a physical illness. He ordered a series of tests, which revealed that Wu had a brain tumor.

The brain tumor was removed, and Wu's symptoms gradually improved. She was able to walk again, and she began to regain her mental health. However, the experience of being diagnosed with hysteria had a lasting impact on her life.

Hysteria and the Oppression of Women

The case of Zhongxian Wu is a reminder of the ways in which hysteria has been used to control and oppress women. For centuries, women who were diagnosed with hysteria were often seen as being weak, immoral, or even insane. They were often subjected to harsh treatments, including beatings, exorcisms, and confinement in mental institutions.

The diagnosis of hysteria was also used to justify the exclusion of women from certain professions and activities. For example, women were not allowed to vote or hold public office in many countries until the late 19th and early 20th centuries, because they were considered to be too hysterical to be trusted with such responsibilities.

The legacy of hysteria continues to affect women today. Women are still more likely than men to be diagnosed with mental disorders, and they are often prescribed medication for these disorders even when there is no clear evidence of a physical illness. The stigma associated with mental illness can also make it difficult for women to seek help for their symptoms.

The case of Zhongxian Wu is a reminder of the long and disturbing history of hysteria. This disorder has been used to control and oppress women for centuries, and it continues to have a negative impact on women's lives today. It is important to learn from the past and to challenge the stigma associated with mental illness. We must also work to create a more just and equitable world for women.

Hysteria: The disturbing history

by Zhongxian Wu

4.5 out of 5