Neurosis

:For the band, see Neurosis (band).

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The term neurosis was coined by the Scottish doctor, William Cullen in 1769 to refer to ?disorders of sense and motion? caused by a ?general affection of the nervous system.?

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The term (also psychoneurosis or neurotic disorder) in modern psychology refers to any mental disorder that, although may cause distress, does not interfere with rational thought or the persons' ability to function. This is in contrast to psychosis which refers to more severe disorders.

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The word derives from two Greek words: neuron (nerve) and osis (diseased or abnormal condition).

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A neurosis, in psychoanalytic theory, is an ineffectual coping strategy that Sigmund Freud suggested was caused by emotions from past experience overwhelming or interfering with present experience. For example, someone attacked by a dog as a toddler may have a phobia or overwhelming fear of dogs. However, he recognized that some phobias are symbolic and express a repressed fear.

Related Topics:
Psychoanalytic - Sigmund Freud - Emotions - Phobia

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In Carl Jung's theory of analytical psychology a neurosis results from the conflict of two psychic contents, one of which must be unconscious.

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There are many different specific forms of neuroses: pyromania, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety neurosis, hysteria (in which anxiety may be discharged through a physical symptom), and an endless variety of phobias.

Related Topics:
Pyromania - Obsessive-compulsive disorder - Anxiety - Hysteria - Phobia

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Some neuroses may be rooted in ego defense mechanisms but the two concepts are not synonymous. Defense mechanisms are a normal way of developing and maintaining a consistent sense of self (an ego) while only those thought and behavior patterns that produce difficulties in living should be termed neuroses. Although neuroses and targeted by psychoanalysis, psychotherapy/counselling, or other psychiatric techniques, there is still controversy over whether even these professionals can perform accurate and reliable diagnoses, and whether many of the resulting treatments are also appropriate, effective and reliable. Some studies show no extra benefit gained from talk therapies when compared with other kinds of (untrained) personal companionship and discussion. Good evidence has accumulated to show that some or many mental illnesses have a physiological basis and can respond to drugs and medical treatments. Of course, this raises questions about the traditional (Cartesian) distinction between mind and body. If causes of a mental illness are physical, then talk therapies are mere placebo or diversion and cannot effect a cure. On the other hand, if the body is shaped by thought patterns (for example, the creation of new neural pathways), then some ailments may indeed be generated (and curable) by patterns in a person's own thinking, emotion, and behavior. While the traditional talk-therapies (e.g. psychoanalysis) encourage the patient to explore these thought patterns, an argument can be made that cognitive therapy (which offers patients specific guidance on reshaping and replacing old patterns with new, more functional ones) should be more effective. However, since cognitive therapies rely on logical and reasonable communication and thought patterns, it may be that many patients are not sufficiently advanced in intelligence and self-control to benefit from the techniques. More research is needed about the relationship between different types of intelligence, personality, and the patient's responsiveness to different treatment techniques.

Related Topics:
Defense mechanism - Psychiatric - Cognitive therapy

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Despite its long history, the term "neurosis" is no longer in common use. Current classification systems have abandoned the category of neurosis; the DSM-IV has eliminated the category altogether. Disorders formerly termed as neuroses are now described under the headings of anxiety and depressive disorders.

Related Topics:
DSM-IV - Anxiety

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The usage of the term neurosis remains controversial, and it has been argued that a more appropriate term is needed to replace it.

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