%0 Journal Article
%T Medical men, women of letters, and treatments for eighteenth-century hysteria
%J Journal of medical humanities
%D 2013
%A Meek, Heather
%V 34
%N 1
%P 1-14
%X This paper explores evolving treatments for hysteria in the eighteenth century by examining a selection of works by both physician-writers and educated literary women. The treatments I identify-which range from aggressive bloodlettings, diets, and beatings, to exercise, fresh air, and writing cures-reveal a unique culture of therapy in which female sufferers and doctors exert an influence on one another's notions of what constitutes appropriate management of women's mental illness. A scrutiny of this exchange of ideas suggests that female patients were not simply oppressed and silenced by male practitioners; rather, their collective voice, intellect, and expertise helped to form progressive treatments for eighteenth-century hysteria.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>
%G en
%I Springer
%@ 1041-3545
%U http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10912-012-9194-4