Anita met hysteria holding purple gem (8)
I believe the answer is:
amethyst
'purple gem' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'anita met hysteria holding' is the wordplay.
'holding' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'AMETHYST' is hidden in the letters of 'anita met hysteria'.
(Other definitions for amethyst that I've seen before include "Violet gemstone" , "Violet-coloured stone" , "Transparent bluish quartz" , "Purplish gemstone" , "Purple quartz used in jewellery" .)