What term is often used for exaggerated symptoms that do not have a medical basis?

The term "hysterical" relates to exaggerated symptoms that appear to have no medical basis, often arising from psychological or emotional factors rather than a direct physiological cause. Historically, hysteria was associated with women and was thought to manifest as a variety of symptoms, including physical complaints. Despite the evolving understanding of mental health and the shift away from using the term in contemporary medicine, it still captures the concept of symptoms that are deemed excessive or unfounded in terms of medical issues.

The other options offer different nuances to the idea of symptoms without a medical basis. "Nonorganic" is often used in medical contexts to describe conditions that do not originate from a physical illness. "Malingering" implies a conscious effort to feign or exaggerate illness for tangible benefits, such as avoiding work or obtaining drugs. "Functional" typically describes symptoms resulting from a psychological condition rather than an identifiable physical cause, but does not carry the same connotations of exaggeration or lack of authenticity as "hysterical."