Individuals with hysteria often display characteristics of other personality disorders, especially 'borderline' and anti-social, but there is nevertheless a certain distinctiveness to hysteria-related disorders. These individuals are unaware of the effects their behaviour has on others. They may also appear to be a 'mixed' combination of traits - at one point prudishness can turn into the opposite. Hence, it is often difficult to be sure that one understands such a personality well. Hysterics, like those suffering from anti-social disorders, tend to be impulsive, superficial and manipulative of others.

However, the reasons for this behaviour are quite different. Hysterical personalities are often overly concerned with outward appearance because they need to draw attention to themselves, and they dramatise while colourfully portraying themselves. Hysterics often flirt, deceive others, hardly realising the effects of their behaviour and when they find themselves trapped then abandon others in a sense of frustration, loss and embarrassment. In essence, this behaviour prevents hysterics from establishing satisfying relationships and imposes alienation and loneliness on them.

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The most common form of action for hysterics is 'teasing' - they intuitively use their bodies as a means through which to signal their desires for love and affection. However, they care more about shallow words of approval, applause and endorsement. In fact, they do not care about intimacy with another person. Physical closeness becomes a substitute for emotional closeness for them. The vanity and narcissism of these people is also obvious. What they need is attention from other people. Psychologists say that hysterical personalities can be attractive to obsessive personalities. They often enter into marital relationships with each other, providing each other with what they lack (of course, this does not necessarily ensure a good relationship). Psychotherapy, which uses mainly verbal suggestion, plays a large role in the treatment of hysteria.

The patient is often persuaded to do certain exercises and treatments recommended individually depending on the patient's personality and symptoms. All this is aimed at regaining the patient's ability to react rationally to the situation. Some patients are given sedatives, for others hypnosis is effective. The patient should also understand that hysteria is fostered by selfishness and self-centredness, so it may help to take care of others.