hysterical amnesia

Hysterical amnesia, now more commonly referred to as dissociative amnesia, is a psychological condition where memory loss is linked to severe emotional shock or trauma. Unlike amnesia caused by brain damage, the memories in dissociative amnesia are not actually lost but are inaccessible due to a defense mechanism against distressing recollections. This condition can manifest as a temporary escape from memories that cause anxiety.1

While the term "hysterical amnesia" is largely outmoded, the concept describes a selective loss of access to emotionally significant memory data. This can lead to a person forgetting extensive periods of their past, sometimes causing them to start a new life. Recovery often involves psychotherapy, where memories can be recovered, though the amnesic period itself remains forgotten.21